Sun, Moon and Earth

Eclipses are predictable, solar system events. The answer choices below list relative positions of Earth, the sun, and the moon. Which list represents the position of Earth, the sun, and the moon during a solar eclipse?

• Sun, Earth, Moon

• Earth, Sun , Moon

• Sun, Moon, Earth

• Moon, Sun, Earth

The sun is much larger than the moon.  However, as viewed from Earth, the sun and moon appear to be the same size.  Why do the sun and moon appear to be the same size when viewed from Earth?

• The moon is much denser than the sun.

• The moon is much brighter than the sun.

• The moon is much closer to Earth than the sun.

• The moon and sun both orbit the Earth

How are the Earth, Moon, and Sun lined up when there is a new moon?

• When the moon is in the new moon position the moon is located in between the sun and the Earth causing the people on Earth to see the moon illuminated by the sun. A new moon is also up in the day time.

• When the moon is in the new moon position the moon is located in between the sun and the Earth causing the people on Earth to see the moon shadowed by the sun. A new moon is also up in the day time.

• When the moon is in the full moon position the eath, moon, and sun are in exact alignment with each other.

  A full moon can last up to 5 days. 

• When the moon is in the full moon position the eath, moon, and sun are in exact alignment with each other.

Which statement below accurately describes the phases occurring at points 1 and 5?

• A full moon at point 1 and a new moon at point 5. The phases are caused when the Moon changes its shape from night to night.

• A full moon at point 1 and a new moon at point 5. The phases are caused when half of the Moon is lit by the Sun, but only part of the Moon’s lit surface can be seen as the Moon orbits Earth and Earth orbits the Sun.

• A new moon at point 1 and a full moon at point 5. The phases are caused when the Moon looks like it is changing shape as Earth goes around the Moon

• A new moon at point 1 and full moon at point 5. The phases are caused when half of the Moon is lit by the Sun, but only part of the Moon’s lit surface can be seen as the Moon orbits Earth and Earth orbits the Sun.

What Moon phase represents position 4?

• Waning Gibbous

• 1st Quarter

• Waning Crescent

• Waxing Gibbous

The graph shows the recorded change in water level (ocean tides) at a coastal city in the northeastern United States during 1 day. Which inference about tides is best made from this graph?

• The tidal change is a random event.

• The tidal change is a cycle.

• The hourly rate of tidal change is always the same.

• The rate of tidal change is greatest at high tide.

Examine the diagram below. The diagram demonstrates how the Moon interacts with water on Earth’s surface. At what locations would high tide be occurring?

• A and B

• A and C

• A and D

• B and D

About how long is the time between consecutive high and low tides according to this graph?

• 1 hour

• 12 hours

• 6 hours

• 3 hours

During the month of January, Samantha observed the moon phases at the same time each night and recorded her observations in a table. On the 21st, she observed a full moon. Which diagram represents the position of the Earth, Moon and Sun during a full moon?

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Which of the models show the relative position of the Earth, Sun and Moon when a person would be experiencing high tides on Earth? (Models not to scale)

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