The Sun-Earth-Moon System

Question 1

Why do we have day and night?

Answer 1

As the sun rotates, one side will be facing the Sun and one won’t, the side that is facing the Sun will have day and the other will have night.

Question 2

What causes the seasons?

Answer 2

The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth.

Question 3

Name the moon phases in order

Answer 3

New moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, waning crescent

Question 4

Why do we see different moon phases?

Answer 4

We see different phases depending on where the moon is relative to Earth when the sun is lighting it up.

Question 5

Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth?

Answer 5

We always see the same side of the Moon because the Moon rotates on its axis and revolves around the Earth in 28 days.

Question 6

What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

Answer 6

Solar Eclipse:

• the moon casts a shadow on the Earth
• only possible during new moon phase

Lunar Eclipse:

• the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon
• partial or total eclipse depending on how much the moon is in the shadow
• only possible during full moon phase
• more common eclipse
• Moon appears red or orange from refraction of light through atmosphere