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).

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

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