Review of Astronomy and Society

A solar eclipse occurs when

• the moon casts a dark shadow on Earth.

• Earth casts a dark shadow on the sun.

• the sun casts a dark shadow on the moon.

• Earth casts a dark shadow on the sun.

The cycle of the moon through its phases, or the synodic month, is

• 21 days long.

• 27 1/3 days long.

• 29 1/2 days long.

• 30 days long.

The geocentric model of the solar system has the planets

• and the moon orbiting the sun.

• orbiting the sun and the moon orbiting Earth.

• and the moon and sun orbiting Earth.

• orbiting the sun and the sun orbiting Earth.

What causes the moon’s phases?

• the rotation of the moon on its axis

• Earth’s tilt on its axis as it revolves around the sun

• changes in how much of the sunlit side of the moon faces Earth

• the position of the moon each month in relation to the North Star

During a total lunar eclipse, the moon

• moves into Earth’s umbra.

• moves into the sun’s umbra.

• moves into Earth’s penumbra.

• moves outside Earth’s shadow.

Which definition accurately describes the Astronomical Unit (AU)?

• The average distance between the planets. 

• The average distance between Earth and Mars.

• The average distance between the Earth and the Sun. 

• The average size of the Earth compared to the Sun. 

Name the terrestrial planets (in order from the sun).

(a)  

What is the order of the Earth, sun, and moon during a New Moon? (Start with the sun.)

(a)  

Occurs when Earth is positioned between the moon and the sun and when Earth's shadow crosses the lighted half of the moon.

• Solar Eclipse

• Eclipse

• Lunar Eclipse

• Perigee

Name the moon phase

• waning crescent
• waxing crescent
• waning gibbous
• waxing gibbous