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We always see the same side of the moon from Earth. How does this prove that the moon rotates on its axis?
If the moon didn’t rotate, we would be seeing the different faces of the moon because of its revolution. We see the same side of the moon from earth because its rotation and revolution is the same.
What is the relationship between the moon’s rotation rate vs its revolution rate?
The moon’s rotation and revolution period is the same. This is “synchronous rotation” and is because the Earth and moon’s gravity tugs on e/other.
What is a synodic period?
Uses sun as a reference point to measure how long an object takes to return to a position (relative to earth): synodic day lasts 24 hours, & a lunar period is 29.5 days
What is a sidereal period?
Uses distant stars as a reference point to measure how long an object takes to return to a position: sidereal day is 23 hours & 56 minutes, a lunar period is 27.3 days
What type is a more accurate measurement of an orbital period?
Sidereal, because it uses a distant star as its reference point.
Which measurement do we use to determine the lunar cycle?
Synodic, because it is relative to the Earth.
What causes the different phases of the moon?
The position of the moon in its orbit around the Earth; varies how much “light” from the Sun or how much of the moon we see on Earth.
Define Waxing
When the moon appears to “grow bigger” or “brighter”
Define Waning
When the moon appears to become “smaller” or “dimmer”
What is a solar eclipse?
Only occurs when the moon’s shadow hits the earth; must be a Full Moon (Earth-Moon-Sun)
What is a lunar eclipse?
Only occurs when the Earth’s shadow is hitting the moon; it’s in its “New Moon” phase (Moon-Earth-Sun).
What is the penumbra and umbra?
The Umbra and Penumbra are 2 parts that make up the shadows of the Earth & Moon
Define Umbra
The cone where the Earth & Moon’s shadow is darkest
Define Penumbra
The region between the Earth & Moon’s shadow where darkness is spread out and thus, “lighter”
Define ‘Spring’ Tides
When the Sun & moon are lined up, either in a new or full moon; causes the tides to reinforce e/other & be “stronger” or “higher”
Define ‘Neap’ Tides
When the moon is at its 1st or last quarter phase, & the tides made by the Sun cancel out some of the moon’s; makes them “weaker” & “lower”
How many ‘high’ & ‘low' tides are there per day?
2 high tides & 2 low tides in one 24 hour period (a day)
What are the 3 types of solar eclipses?
The 3 types of solar eclipses are: Total, Partial, & Annular
Which tide has the biggest difference between high & low tides?
Spring tides
What is the name for tides that occur on a quarter moon phase?
Neap tides
The moon is ‘waning’ from…
Full moon to New moon
What tides occur on new and full moon phases?
Spring tides
The moon is waxing from…
New moon to Full moon…