Earth-Sun-Moon System Patterns Flashcards

In Louisiana, the Sun appears highest in the sky at noon during which season?

Answer: Summer

During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, Earth's axial tilt causes the Sun to reach its highest point in the sky at noon.

What causes a solar eclipse?

Answer: The Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth's surface.

Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?

Answer: The Moon rotates once per orbit around Earth (synchronous rotation)

The Moon's rotation period equals its orbital period—about 27 days—so the same side always faces Earth.

A crescent moon is visible just after sunset in the western sky. What phase is the Moon in?

Answer: Waxing crescent

A waxing crescent appears shortly after a new moon and is visible in the western sky just after sunset.

Earth completes one full rotation on its axis every 24 hours. What observable pattern does this directly cause?

Answer: The daily cycle of day and night

Earth's 24-hour rotation on its axis causes the cycle of day and night as different parts of Earth face toward or away from the Sun.

During the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice, what is true about the North Pole?

Answer: The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight

At the summer solstice, Earth's North Pole is tilted toward the Sun, resulting in continuous daylight for the entire polar region.

Which phase of the Moon comes directly after a full moon?

Answer: Waning gibbous

After a full moon, the visible lit portion begins to shrink, entering the waning gibbous phase.