Earth's Orbit, Seasons, and Eclipses

A set of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms related to Earth's orbit, seasons, tides, and eclipses.

March Equinox

The event in March when the Sun shines equally on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

June Solstice

The time in June when Earth's North Pole is pointed toward the Sun and the Northern Hemisphere experiences the most daylight.

September Equinox

The event in September when the Sun shines equally on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

December Solstice

The time in December when Earth's North Pole is pointed away from the Sun, resulting in the fewest daylight hours for the Northern Hemisphere.

Tides

The rise and fall of ocean water caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun.

Spring Tide

The highest tide that occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during new or full moons.

Neap Tide

The moderate tide that occurs when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth-Sun line during first and third quarters.

Umbra

The inner, darker part of a shadow, where total darkness occurs during an eclipse.

Penumbra

The outer, lighter part of a shadow, where partial darkness occurs during an eclipse.

Lunar Eclipse

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

Solar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight from reaching Earth.

Blood Moon

A name for a totally eclipsed Moon, which appears red due to Earth's atmosphere filtering sunlight.