Earth-Sun-Moon System Patterns Flashcards

A student in New Orleans observes shadows at noon. In which month would noon shadows be shortest?

Answer: June

In June, the summer solstice causes the Sun to be highest in the sky at noon in the Northern Hemisphere, producing the shortest shadows.

What is the primary reason Earth experiences seasons?

Answer: The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun

Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt causes different hemispheres to receive more direct sunlight at different times of year, creating seasons.

Which of the following correctly describes a neap tide?

Answer: A moderate tide when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to Earth

Neap tides occur during quarter moon phases when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to Earth, producing less extreme tidal differences.

A total lunar eclipse can only occur during which Moon phase?

Answer: Full moon

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, which is only possible when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun—during a full moon.

How does Earth's axial tilt affect the length of daylight hours in Louisiana during winter?

Answer: Louisiana has fewer daylight hours in winter because the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun

In winter, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, reducing the angle and duration of sunlight, giving Louisiana shorter days.

The Moon takes about 29.5 days to go through all its phases. What is this cycle called?

Answer: Synodic month

The synodic month (about 29.5 days) is the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same phase, as seen from Earth.

What happens to the length of daylight at the equator during the year?

Answer: Daylight hours remain nearly 12 hours year-round

The equator receives nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the year because it is equidistant from both poles.