The Moon-Earth Satelite Flashcards
Why does the moon seem to change?
Because it reflects the sunlight
What causes the Moon to move in an orbit around the Earth?
The gravitational pull of Earth on the Moon
What causes the phases of the Moon, eclipse and tides?
The changing relative positions
What percent of mass is the Moon- Earth?
12% of Earths mass
What percent of diameter is the Moon-Earths?
27% of Earths diameter
What is the Avg distance from the Earth to the Moon?
384,000 km
What are Phases?
The different forms the Moon takes on its appearance from Earth
Sequence of phases is the lunar cycle which lasts…?
29.5 days
What is a new moon?
When the moon is between Earth and Sun and can’t be seen
What are Waxing Phases?
More of the moons near side is lit each night
What does the waxing crescent look like?
The first visible thin slice of moon
What is the first quarter? (Waxing)
Half the lighted side of the moon is visible
What is the waxing gibbous?
More than one quarter is visible
What is a full moon? (Waxing)
All the moons lighted side is visible
What are the Waning Phases?
Less of the illuminated half of the Moon is visible after a full moon
What is a waning gibbous?
Starts after a full moon when more than half of lit side of moon is still visible
What is a third quarter? (Waning)
Only half the moons lighted side is visible
What is a waning crescent?
Last visible slice before a new moon
What is an eclipse? (Waning)
When Earths or the Moon casts a shadow on the other
What is a solar eclipse?
When Moons shadow appears on Earths surface
What is a lunar eclipse?
Occurs when the Moon moves into Earths shadow
What is the feature on the moon Maria (Mare)?
Dark flat areas formed from lava 3-4 thousand years ago
What is a crater?
Large round pits caused by impacts of meteoroids
What is the time of one rotation for the moon?
273 days
What is the time of one revolution?
273 days
