Quiz on Earth, Moon, and Sun

Astronomers made two observations of the Moon that were several days apart. Their observations are shown in the diagram above. The light part of the Moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the astronomers were able to see more of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth’s shadow moved and was blocking less of the Moon so the astronomers were able to see more of it.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagrams above show Earth and the Moon in different positions, as seen from above (top view). Sunlight is coming from the left, but these diagrams do not show what parts of Earth or the Moon are light or dark. Could the half of the Moon that faces Earth ever be completely dark in any of these diagrams?

• No, the Moon is always lit by the sun.

• Yes, always in Diagrams 1 and 3, but never in Diagram 2.

• Yes, always in Diagram 3 and sometimes in Diagram 1.

• Yes, always in Diagram 3, but never in Diagrams 1 or 2.

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The diagram above shows Earth and the Moon from above (top view). Why is there a dotted circle drawn in this diagram?

• To show that the Moon is always moving around Earth in a circle.

• To show the locations of satellites that are in Earth’s atmosphere.

• To show the way that the Moon can move back and forth across Earth’s sky.

• To show the locations where the sun’s light can reach the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of these things is true about the Moon?

• The Moon is always moving around Earth in a circle.

• The Moon is always in the same position in Earth’s sky.

• The Moon is always moving in many changing patterns around Earth.

• The Moon is always moving back and forth across Earth’s sky.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram above shows Earth and the Moon from above (top view). Why is there a dotted circle drawn in this diagram?

• To show the locations where the sun’s light can reach the Moon.

• To show the locations of satellites that are in Earth’s atmosphere.

• To show the way that the Moon can move back and forth across Earth’s sky.

• To show that the Moon is always moving around Earth in a circle.

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What is the definition of SUN?

• a rocky sphere that travels around a planet

• to shine light on an object and make it visible

• the star that is the main source of light at the center of our solar system

• the border between light and dark on the Moon

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The Moon does not make its own light. The sun illuminates the Moon.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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Shira looked up one night and saw a full moon. How long will it be before she can see a full moon again?

• About one week.

• About one month.

• There is no way to tell because the Moon’s pattern is always changing.

• It could be two weeks or a month, depending on what time of year it is.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the definition of MOON PHASE?

• the nearly circular path a smaller object travels around a larger object

• the shape of the illuminated part of the Moon as it appears from Earth

• something we observe to be similar over and over again

• the border between light and dark on the Moon

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

We see different phases of the Moon because the sun's light changes throughout each month.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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