In this chapter, you will learn to: / explain how shadows occur / use models to explain the seasons / describe the phases of the Moon / distinguish between solar and lunar eclipses / use models to explain how eclipses occur.
The Earth, Sun and Moon
Earth’s distance from the Sun in the solar system is what makes life on our planet possible. Earth is close enough to benefit from the Sun’s light and heat energy and far enough away to avoid its extreme temperatures. The Moon also helps to support life on Earth by keeping the climate balanced.
Shadows, day and night, seasons, phases of the Moon and eclipses are all caused by how the Earth, Sun and Moon interact with each other.
:Fig. 36.1 The Earth, Sun and Moon interact with each other
365.25 days Sun Earth
27 days Moon
:Fig. 36.2 How Earth orbits the Sun and the Moon orbits Earth
? TEST TUBE
1. Research the distance between Earth and the Sun. 2. Research the temperature of the Sun.