Basic Science - Shadows and Celestial Phenomena

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to shadows, eclipses, and the properties of celestial bodies as described in the lecture notes.

Shadow

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Lunar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Solar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Earth.

Opaque Object

An object that does not allow light to pass through, thereby creating a shadow.

Waxing

The period during which the illuminated portion of the Moon increases from New Moon to Full Moon.

Waning

The period during which the illuminated portion of the Moon decreases from Full Moon to New Moon.

Celestial Spheres

The spheres that are made up of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, and planets.

Moonlight

Light that is reflected from the Moon's surface, which is actually sunlight.

Earth's Shadow

The shadow cast by the Earth when it obstructs sunlight, typically seen during a lunar eclipse.

Phases of the Moon

The different stages of illumination of the Moon observed from Earth, including New Moon, Half Moon, and Full Moon.

Total Solar Eclipse

A type of solar eclipse where the Moon completely covers the Sun as viewed from Earth.

Annular Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse in which the Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun's, causing the Sun to look like a ring.

Partial Solar Eclipse

An eclipse during which only a portion of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.

Reflection

The bouncing back of light from a surface, such as sunlight reflecting off the Moon.

Science Diary

A personal journal where students record their observations, experiments, and findings.