The Earth–Moon–Sun System: How They Shape Our World

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Earth–Moon–Sun System, focusing on definitions and explanations of important terms and phenomena.

Earth

A rotating planet that spins around an axis, tilted to create seasons.

Solar energy

Light and heat emitted by the Sun that illuminates Earth and the Moon.

Moon

Earth's natural satellite that orbits around the Earth and spins on its axis.

Earth's rotation

The spinning of Earth on its axis, occurring once every day, creating day and night.

Ecliptic

The path that Earth follows around the Sun, influencing the Moon's orbital plane.

New moon

The phase when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it mostly invisible.

Waxing

The phase of the Moon during which the visible lit portion is growing.

Solar eclipse

An event where the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth.

Lunar eclipse

An event where Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, dimming or reddening it.

Solstice

An event when the Sun's path reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, marking longest and shortest days.

Equinox

An event when day and night are nearly equal in length, occurring at the equator.