The Moon Flashcards
How does the position of the moon relative to the sun and earth determine its phase?
A new moon occurs when it faces the same direction as the sun, waxing when the sun illuminates the west (creating a reverse C shape), full when it is opposite the sun, and waning when the sun illuminates the east (creating a C shape).
What are the two periods associated with the moon’s orbit, and how do they differ?
The moon has both sidereal and synodic periods. The synodic period is the time for the earth, moon, and sun to be in the same relative position, determining the moon’s phase. The sidereal period is the time for the earth and moon to be in the same relative position, influencing tides.
How does the synodic period of the moon relate to its phases?
The synodic period is the time it takes for the earth, moon, and sun to be in the same relative position, determining the phases of the moon based on the illumination from the sun.
What conditions are necessary for a lunar eclipse to occur, and how does the moon’s tilted orbit play a role?
Lunar eclipses happen when the Earth creates a shadow over the moon. This occurs when the moon’s tilted orbit of about 5 degrees aligns with both the sidereal and synodic periods, typically during a new moon phase.
