Shared Flashcard Set

Details

The Earth-Moon System
axis, revolution, rotation, phases of the moon, etc.
36
Astronomy
7th Grade
01/03/2008

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
astronomy
Definition
The study of the moon, stars, and other objects in space.
Term
axis
Definition
The imaginary line that passes through the Earth's center and the North and South poles.
Term
rotation
Definition
Earth spinning on its axis.
Term
revolution
Definition
Earth's movement around the sun. It takes about 365.25 days, which is a year.
Term
orbit
Definition
The path of an object as it revolves around another object in space.
Term
latitude
Definition
A measurement of distance from the equator, expressed in degrees north or south.
Term
solstice
Definition
The two days of the year on which the noon sun is directly overhead at either 23.5 degrees north or south.
Term
equinox
Definition
The two days of the year on which neither hemisphere is tilted toward or away from the sun. During this time, the lengths of nighttime and daytime are around the same.
Term
vernal equinox
Definition
Occurs around March 21 and marks the beginning of Spring. During this time, the lengths of nighttime and daytime are around the same.
Term
autumnal equinox
Definition
Occurs around September 23 and marks the beginning of fall. During this time, the lengths of nighttime and daytime are around the same.
Term
summer solstice
Definition
Occurs around June 21 and is the longest day of the year. The noon sun is directly overhead at 23.5 degrees north.
Term
winter solstice
Definition
Occurs around December 21 and is the shortest day of the year. The noon sun is directly overhead at 23.5 degrees south.
Term
phase
Definition
The different shapes of the moon you see from Earth.
Term
gravity
Definition
The force that pulls objects toward eachother.
Term
telescope
Definition
A device built to study distant objects by making them appear closer.
Term
crater
Definition
A round pit on the moon's surface.
Term
maria
Definition
Dark, flat areas on the moon.
Term
new moon
Definition
The sun lights the "far side" of the moon. The "near side" is shaded.
Term
"far side" of the moon
Definition
The side of the moon we never see from Earth.
Term
"near side" of the moon
Definition
The side of the moon facing Earth.
Term
27.3 days
Definition
The length of time it takes the Earth's moon to revolve around the Earth (year) and to rotate on its axis (day).
Term
Earth's axis
Definition
It is tilted at a 23.5 degree angle.
Term
29.5 days
Definition
The length of time it takes the Earth's moon to go from new moon to new moon.
Term
waxing
Definition
The moon gets brighter.
Term
waning
Definition
The moon gets darker.
Term
crescent
Definition
Phase of the moon that is shaped like a forward of backward "c."
Term
full moon
Definition
The sun lights the whole "near side" of the moon.
Term
first quarter
Definition
You see the right half of the lighted moon.
Term
third quarter
Definition
You see the left half of the lighted moon.
Term
Earth's seasons
Definition
They are caused by Earth's rotation and revolution.
Term
Leap year
Definition
Earth has 366 days in a year every four years, because it takes about 365.25 days for Earth to complete a revolution.
Term
Earth's day and night
Definition
They are caused by the Earth's rotation. The part of the Earth that faces the sun has day and the part of the Earth that faces away from the sun has night.
Term
west
Definition
The direction in which the sun sets.
Term
east
Definition
The direction in which the sun rises.
Term
waxing gibbous
Definition
The phase before the full moon.
Term
waning gibbous
Definition
The phase after the full moon.
Supporting users have an ad free experience!