Phases, Tides, Eclipses

0.0(0)
studied byStudied by 4 people
learnLearn
examPractice Test
spaced repetitionSpaced Repetition
heart puzzleMatch
flashcardsFlashcards
Card Sorting

1/22

flashcard set

Earn XP

Description and Tags

Astronomy

Study Analytics
Name
Mastery
Learn
Test
Matching
Spaced

No study sessions yet.

23 Terms

1
New cards

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.

2
New cards

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.

3
New cards

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

4
New cards

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

5
New cards

What type is a more accurate measurement of an orbital period?

Sidereal, because it uses a distant star as its reference point.

6
New cards

Which measurement do we use to determine the lunar cycle?

Synodic, because it is relative to the Earth.

7
New cards

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.

8
New cards

Define Waxing

When the moon appears to “grow bigger” or “brighter”

9
New cards

Define Waning

When the moon appears to become “smaller” or “dimmer”

10
New cards

What is a solar eclipse?

Only occurs when the moon’s shadow hits the earth; must be a Full Moon (Earth-Moon-Sun)

11
New cards

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).

12
New cards

What is the penumbra and umbra?

The Umbra and Penumbra are 2 parts that make up the shadows of the Earth & Moon

13
New cards

Define Umbra

The cone where the Earth & Moon’s shadow is darkest

14
New cards

Define Penumbra

The region between the Earth & Moon’s shadow where darkness is spread out and thus, “lighter”

15
New cards

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”

16
New cards

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”

17
New cards

How many ‘high’ & ‘low' tides are there per day?

2 high tides & 2 low tides in one 24 hour period (a day)

18
New cards

What are the 3 types of solar eclipses?

The 3 types of solar eclipses are: Total, Partial, & Annular

19
New cards

Which tide has the biggest difference between high & low tides?

Spring tides

20
New cards

What is the name for tides that occur on a quarter moon phase?

Neap tides

21
New cards

The moon is ‘waning’ from…

Full moon to New moon

22
New cards

What tides occur on new and full moon phases?

Spring tides

23
New cards

The moon is waxing from…

New moon to Full moon…