Unit 3: Earth, Moon, and Sun: Moon Phases, Eclipses, Seasons & Tides – Academic Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering Moon phases, eclipses, seasons, and related terms from Unit 3.

alignment

The arrangement of objects in a straight line or in a correct relative position.

axis

An imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to South Pole, and it includes the center of Earth.

equinox

An equinox is a time of year when day and night are almost equal in length. It happens twice annually, around March 20-21 and September 22-23, marking the start of spring and autumn.

First Quarter moon

The moon's phase in which the moon appears as a half circle. The right half of the moon is visible as it grows toward a full moon.

Full Moon

Moon phase in which all of the Moon appears to be illuminated.

lunar cycle

The lunar cycle, also known as the Moon's phases, is the pattern of changes in the Moon's appearance as seen from Earth.

lunar eclipse

The Earth casts a shadow on the moon. This occurs when the moon is in the full moon position.

lunar phase

A lunar phase describes the different shapes or appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth during its orbit around Earth.

New Moon

Moon phase in which none of the moon appears to be illuminated. You can't see the moon because it is between the Earth and the Sun. This is also the first phase of the moon.

orbit

To travel in a circular or elliptical path around another object.

revolution

The Earth’s movement around the Sun in an orbital path.

rotation

The motion of the Earth spinning on its axis.

solar eclipse

The moon casts a shadow on the Earth. This occurs when the moon is in a new moon position.

solstice

When the direct sunlight is hitting most north or south of the equator. Longest hours of daylight or shortest hours of daylight for the year.

Third Quarter moon

A phase of the moon in which the left half of the moon is illuminated.

waning

To decrease gradually in size. The illuminated part of the moon is getting smaller (the illuminated side of the moon appears on the left).

Waning Crescent

Moon phase in which less than half of the moon is lit up on the left side.

Waning Gibbous

More than half of the left side of the moon is illuminated.

waxing

To increase gradually in size. The illuminated part of the moon is getting bigger (light appears on the right side of the moon).

Waxing Crescent

A phase of the moon coming after a new moon and before a 1st quarter moon that is a lit up crescent on the right.

Waxing Gibbous

More than half is lit or illuminated and increasing on the right side. Occurs right before the full moon.