The sun and moon have a major influence on many different phenomena on Earth. Understanding the relationships between Earth, the sun and the moon helps us to understand the seasons, tides, weather and climate and to make predictions about them. We can also use our knowledge of the earth-sun-moon system to understand and make predictions
about other phenomena in our solar system. These include phases of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses and the movement of other space objects such as comets and asteroids. We can then apply our knowledge of the earth-sun-moon system to other planets and space objects in our solar system and beyond.
37.1 The earth-sun-moon system
The sun is the star at the centre of our solar system. Earth is one of eight planets in our solar system and the moon is a natural satellite of Earth. The sun and the moon both have important effects on Earth; and Earth affects both the sun
and the moon. The interaction between Earth, the sun and the moon is sometimes referred to as the earth-sun-moon system.
Phenomenon A phenomenon is any event that can be observed happening. A phenomenon is often difficult to explain at first. The plural of phenomenon is phenomena.
LO 4 Earth and Space strand LO 4 Nature of Science strand
Fig. 1 The interaction between Earth, the sun and the moon is called the earth-sun-moon system.
