The interaction of ______________________ forces of the sun and moon with Earth cause tides in Earth’s oceans. When the moon is directly between Earth and the sun, a _____________________ eclipse occurs. When Earth is directly between the moon and the sun, a ______________________ eclipse occurs.
Knowledge and Understanding What causes the phases of the moon?
1. 2.
Identify the phases of the moon shown below. Assume that (b) is waning and that (c) is waxing.
Describe what you would see during a total eclipse of the sun if you were looking down at Earth from the moon. Explain the difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse.
Thinking & Investigating The same side of the moon is always visible from Earth even though the moon
rotates on its own axis. Explain how this can be the case. Draw a diagram of Earth, the moon and the sun. Indicate the position of the moon during the following lunar phases: (a) new moon (b) first quarter (c) full moon (d) third quarter. Can you see a full moon during the day? Explain your answer. Can you see a new moon? Explain your answer. At which phase of the moon is a solar eclipse possible? Describe why seasons occur on Earth. Draw a diagram to show how the angle of sunlight affects the amount of solar energy that reaches the surface of Earth. Earth’s orbit is approximately a circle with a radius of 150,000 km. Estimate the orbital speed of the earth. Give your answer in km/h. Remember: the circumference of a circle is 2πr. Why is it safe to watch an eclipse of the moon but not an eclipse of the sun?
