LEAP Earth-Sun-Moon System Patterns 5

Question 1

A model shows Earth, the Sun, and Moon with the Moon between Earth and the Sun but slightly above the orbital plane. What event does this represent?

Accepted Answer

A new moon with no eclipse

Answer

A lunar eclipse

Answer

A solar eclipse that does not occur because the Moon misses Earth's shadow

Answer

A full moon

Question 2

Which statement best explains why the Southern Hemisphere experiences summer in December?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun during December

Answer

Earth is closest to the Sun in December

Answer

The Sun produces more heat in December

Answer

Days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere in December

Question 3

An observer on Earth watches the Moon over four weeks. On day one it is not visible (new moon). On about which day would a full moon appear?

Accepted Answer

Day 14–15

Answer

Day 7

Answer

Day 21

Answer

Day 28–29

Question 4

Why does the Sun appear to move across the sky from east to west each day?

Accepted Answer

Earth rotates from west to east, making the Sun appear to move westward

Answer

The Sun orbits Earth from east to west

Answer

The Moon's gravity pulls the Sun westward

Answer

Earth's revolution around the Sun causes daily east-west motion

Question 5

If Earth had no axial tilt, which of the following would be true?

Accepted Answer

There would be no seasons; all locations would have consistent day length year-round

Answer

Seasons would be more extreme

Answer

Only the poles would have seasons

Answer

The Moon's phases would change

Question 6

A student records moonrise times for a month and notices the Moon rises about 50 minutes later each successive night. What best explains this pattern?

Accepted Answer

The Moon orbits Earth eastward, so it appears slightly farther east each night and Earth must rotate more to bring it into view

Answer

Earth rotates slightly faster each night

Answer

The Moon slows down as it orbits Earth

Answer

The Sun's gravity delays the Moon's rise

Question 7

Which of the following is a pattern that repeats approximately every 18 years and involves eclipses?

Accepted Answer

The Saros cycle

Answer

The Metonic cycle

Answer

The synodic cycle

Answer

The solstice cycle