Astronomy 2

Question 1

The two major ways earth moves through space

Answer 1

Rotation (spins on axis = day/night) and revolution (orbits Sun = year)

Question 2

How does the earth has seasons

Answer 2

Because Earth’s axis is tilted as it revolves around the Sun.

Question 3

Identify and explain the two factors on which the strength of the force of gravity between 2 objects depends

Answer 3

The masses of the objects and the distance between their centers.

The greater the mass, the stronger the gravitational force, and the greater the distance between them, the weaker the force.

Question 4

Identify and explain the two factors that combine to keep earth in orbit around the sun and the moon in orbit around the earth

Answer 4

Earth stays in orbit due to inertia (forward motion) + gravity (pull of Sun). Moon stays in orbit same way.

Question 5

Explain how the changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun cause the phases of the moon, eclipses, and tides

Answer 5

As the Moon revolves around Earth, the angle of sunlight hitting the Moon changes → we see different phases.

Eclipses happen when Earth, Moon, and Sun line up, blocking light.

Tides occur because the Moon’s gravity pulls on Earth’s oceans; Sun’s gravity also affects them.

Question 6

Describe how the sunlit side of the moon facing Earth determines the phase of the moon

Answer 6

Phases of the moon are determined by how much of the sunlit side of the Moon is visible from Earth as Moon orbits Earth

Question 7

Describe how an eclipse occurs

Answer 7

one thing blocks sunlight from another.

Question 8

describe how a solar eclipse occurs

Answer 8

The Moon passes directly between Earth and Sun. The Moon’s shadow (umbra/penumbra) falls on Earth, blocking sunlight in certain areas.

Question 9

describe how a lunar eclipse occurs

Answer 9

Earth passes between the Sun and Moon.

Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, making it appear darkened

Question 10

Describe what causes tides

Answer 10

Tides are caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans.