Earth-Moon-Sun Interactions Flashcards
What is the period of the lunar cycle?
29.5 days
What are the 8 phases of the moon in order?
- New Moon
- Crescent Moon
- First quarter
- Gibbous
- Full moon
- Gibbous
- Last quarter
- Crescent
Why is the lunar phase cycle longer than the rotational period and orbital period of the moon?
Because the Earth is orbiting the sun therefore the moon has to rotate that little bit extra every time to look the same as it did before as the sun is in a different position.
What does a partial solar eclipse look like? What does a partial lunar eclipse look like?
Partial solar eclipse - moon covers part of the sun
Partial lunar eclipse - part of Earth’s shadow can be seen on the moon
What does a total solar eclipse look like? What does a total lunar eclipse look like?
Total solar eclipse - moon covers whole sun therefore massive decease in brightness
Total lunar eclipse - moon appears red due to refraction of suns light through earth atmosphere
How do you draw a diagram of a solar eclipse?
Earth lined up with moon and sun. Lines drawn from top and bottom of sun to top and bottom of moon. Part in middle is where eclipse can be viewed.
How do you draw a diagram of a lunar eclipse?
Sun, earth and moon lined up. Draw lines from top and bottom of sun to top and bottom of earth. Shows shadow cast by earth.
Which lasts longer - lunar eclipse or solar eclipse and why?
Lunar eclipse lasts longer because there is a larger shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon than the Moon on the Earth.
Slower angular velocity of moon orbiting earth.
Why don’t eclipses occur every new and full moon?
Because the moon does not lie on the ecliptic therefore it only happens when the moon is on the ecliptic.
How are aurora caused?
Solar wind trapped in Van Allen Belts leaks onto Earth at high latitude - photoelectric emission N2 and O2.
Where are aurorae most likely to be visible?
The poles.
