The Solar System Moons
Objectives - Describe the current theory of the origin of Earth’s Moon Explain what causes the phases of Earth’s Moon Describe the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse Describe the individual characteristics of the moons or other planets
Did You Know???
Luna Our moon is named Luna Early Apollo missions show that the moon is about 4.6 billion years old
Luna Rotation – 27 ED Revolution – 27 ED Size – 3,475 km Temp - -274oF at night 273oF during the day Gravity – 16% OF Earth’s
Lunar Origins There are 4 theories to the formation of the moon: The Capture Theory The Condensation Theory The Fission Theory The Giant Impact Theory
The Capture Theory The moon was formed somewhere else in the solar system, and was pulled into orbit by the Earth’s gravitational pull Scientists don’t believe this theory because something would have to slow it down just enough as it went by
The Condensation Theory As the pieces that formed the solar system came together, the moon and Earth formed near each other.
The Fission Theory About 4.6 billion years ago while the Earth was still forming, the rapidly spinning Earth tossed pieces into space which formed and became the Moon
The Giant Impact Theory About 4.6 billion years ago while the Earth was still molten, a large body collided with Earth. This ejected a large chunk into space, which was captured by Earths gravity.
Phases of the Moon As the moon revolves around the Earth the amount of sunlight that reaches the moon changes This is what gives us the different phases of the moon
Waxing and Waning Waxing – When the Moon is gradually getting larger Waning – When the moon is gradually getting smaller
Phases of the Moon Because the Moons period of rotation is the same as its period of revolution, we only ever see one side of the Moon
Phases of the Moon
Eclipses Eclipse – When the shadow of one celestial body falls on another There are 2 types of eclipses: Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse During a solar eclipse the moon comes between the Earth and the Sun
Solar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse During a Lunar Eclipse the Earth comes between the sun and the Moon
Lunar Eclipse
Moons Orbit The Moon’s Orbit is tilted at 5o, which is why we don’t have an eclipse every month
Review Our moon is named Luna There are 4 theories about how the moon was formed A waxing moon is getting bigger A waning moon is getting smaller A solar eclipse is when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth A lunar eclipse is when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon
Journal Come up with your own theory to how the moon may have been formed.