Earth, Sun, and Moon System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the Earth, Sun, and Moon system.

Axis

The imaginary line through Earth that extends from the North Pole to the South Pole and is the center of Earth’s rotation.

Cyclic Patterns

A phenomenon or process that involves multiple steps and repeats itself.

Eclipse

An obscuring of the light from a celestial body by the passage of an object between the celestial body and the observer.

Lunar Eclipse

When the full moon passes into Earth’s shadow, causing the Moon to appear reddish in color.

Lunar Phase

The shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen by an observer, usually on Earth.

Orbit

A curved path followed by a satellite as it revolves around an object.

Seasons

The four natural divisions of the year based on changes in temperature due to varying amounts of sunlight.

Solar Eclipse

When the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, covering all or part of the Sun.

Solar System

A star and the group of planets and other celestial bodies that are held by its gravitational attraction.

Star

A celestial body consisting of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity with energy generated by nuclear reactions.

Sun

The luminous star around which Earth and other planets revolve, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.

Tilt

The slant of Earth’s axis, which is 23.5 degrees from vertical compared to Earth’s orbital plane around the Sun.