DAY 7 - The Moon and Eclipses

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the moon's orbit, phases, and eclipses as highlighted in the lecture notes.

Synchronous Rotation

The Moon’s rotation period is equal to its orbital period around the Earth, causing the same side to always face Earth.

Lunar Eclipse

An astronomical event where the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Solar Eclipse

An astronomical event where the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Umbra

The darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse, where light is completely blocked.

Penumbral Eclipse

A type of lunar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow, resulting in a subtle shading.

Total Solar Eclipse

An eclipse that occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun as viewed from Earth.

Partial Solar Eclipse

An eclipse that occurs when only a portion of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.

Annular Solar Eclipse

An eclipse that occurs when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible.

Waxing Crescent

The phase of the Moon where less than half is illuminated and increasing.

Waning Gibbous

The phase of the Moon where more than half is illuminated but decreasing.