Earth in Space

What is the definition of 'Solstice'?

• The time or date (twice each year) at which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, marked by the longest and shortest days.

• A period of heavy rainfall in tropical regions.

• The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

• A lunar phase when the moon is completely visible from Earth.

What is the definition of 'Season'?

• Each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth’s changing position with regard to the sun.

• A period of heavy rainfall in tropical regions.

• A time when the moon is visible during the day.

• A phase when all plants shed their leaves at once.

What is the definition of 'Hemisphere'?

• A half of the earth, usually as divided into northern and southern halves by the equator, or into western and eastern halves by an imaginary line passing through the poles.

• A type of weather pattern found only at the equator.

• A mountain range that separates two continents.

• A large body of water surrounded by land.

The seasons are due to changes in ________ on Earth.

• temperature

• gravity

• air pressure

• humidity

What is a direct result of the amount of solar radiation (heat from the sun) that hits the planet at particular times of the year?

• The formation of mountains

• The seasons

• The movement of oceans

• The creation of wind

The tilt of the earth’s axis causes it to experience the different amounts of ________ heat.

• solar

• lunar

• tidal

• geothermal

The earth is divided into hemispheres – northern (top) and southern (bottom). Which hemisphere is at the top?

• Northern

• Southern

• Eastern

• Western

The part of the earth that is tilted towards the sun will receive a lot of solar heat and so will experience _____

• summer

• winter

• autumn

• spring

The part of the earth that is tilted away from the sun will receive less solar heat and so will experience _____

• winter

• summer

• spring

• autumn

According to the diagram, when the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, which season does it experience?

• A) Summer

• B) Winter

• C) Spring

• D) Autumn