Term |
Definition |
Sphere |
A round three dimensional object whose surface is the same distance from its center at all points. Earth is a sphere that bulges somewhat at the equator is slightly flattened at the poles. |
Axis |
Is the imaginary Vertical line that cuts through the center of Earth and around which the earth spins. |
Rotation |
The spinning of earth on its imaginary axis which takes about 24 hours to complete and causes day and night to occur |
Revolution |
Earths year long elliptical orbit around the sun |
Ellipse |
Elongated, closed curve that describes Earth's yearlong orbit around the sun |
Solstice |
Twice yearly point at which the sun reaches its greatest distance north or south of the equator |
Equinox |
Twice yearly time each spring and fall when the sun is directly over the equator and the number of daylight and nighttime hours are equal worldwide |
Moon Phase |
Change in appearance of the moon as viewed form the earth, due to the relative positions of the Moon, earth and sun |
New Moon |
Moon phases that occurs when the moon between earth and sun, at which point the Moon cannot be seen because its lighted half is facing sun and its dark side faces the earth |
Waxing |
Describes phases following a new moon as more of the Moons lighted side becomes visible |
Full Moon |
Phase that occurs when all of the Moons surface facing Earth light |
Waning |
Describes phases that occur after a full moon as the visible lighted side of the moon grows smaller |
Solar Eclipse |
Occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and other objects that revolves around the sun |
Lunar Eclipse |
Occurs when Earth's shadow falls on the moon |
Maria |
Dark colored relativity flat regions of the Moon formed when ancient lava reached the surface and filled creators on Moons surface |
Impact Basin |
A hollow left on the surface of the Moon caused by an object striking its surface |