Topic 3 Lesson 3: Phases & Eclipses Vocabulary

lunar

Something that is related to the moon

phase

One of the different shapes of the moon as seen from earth

lunar eclipse

Occurs when the sun casts earth’s shadow onto the moon

solar eclipse

Occurs when the moon moves between the earth and the sun blocking the light

umbra

The darkest part of the shadow during a solar eclipse

penumbra

The lightest part of the shadow during a solar eclipse

spring tide

Occurs when the sun moon and earth line up creating higher than normal tides

neap tide

Occurs when the sun moon and earth form a right angle creating lower than normal tides

solar system

A group of planits and other bodies that revolve around a star

Milky Way Galaxy

A huge collection of stars dust and gas in the shape of a spiral