Chapter 2: The Earth In Space A Geographic Presentation By Coach Simpson

Section 1 Objectives Describe the Earth’s position in the solar system. Explain how rotation, tilt and revolution affect Earth.

Why do we need to study space? It is important for us to know how the earth functions in space so that we can understand some of the important things that happen inside the earth’s atmosphere. Coach Simpson thinks it is cool so we have to know about

Bunches of Sparkles in the sky Our Galaxy is known as the Milky Way. Why? Because to early astronomers it appeared to look like a small amount of spilt milk. Groups of stars are known as galaxies.

What is a Solar System? The book defines solar system as, The sun and the bodies that revolve around it. Objects are pulled toward and kept around the sun by gravity.” You must replace sun with star.

I.D. and define what makes up a solar system Planets Comets Satellites Asteroids Major bodies that orbit the sun. (With enough gravity to pull itself into a sphere) A combination of ice and rock moving in a solar system. As the ice melts it forms a tail. Small bodies caught in the gravity of large ones. Pieces of rock moving through space.

Name the planets as they move away from the sun. Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto(Before exclusion)

Name the Inner and the Outer Planets. The Inner Planets are: Mercury Venus Earth Mars The Outer Planets are: Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto(Before exclusion)

Now really, What is the difference? The Inner Planets are called terrestrial. This basically means that they are made up of a solid, usually rocky, surface. The Outer Planets tend to be larger. They are made up of gases and usually do not have a solid surface.

What are moons and satellites? Moons are defined as smaller objects that orbit a planet. Satellites are said to be a body that orbits a larger body.

Section 2 Objectives Explain how the angle of the Sun’s rays affects the amount of solar energy recieved at different locations on the Earth. Distinguish between solstices and equinoxes.

What effect does the sun and the moon, have on the ocean? Neap Tides Also known as Low Tides. This happens when the sun pulls at a right angle to the moon. This occurs during what we call a ¼ moon

What effect does the sun and the moon, have on the ocean? Spring Tides Also known as High Tides This happens when the Sun and the moon pull in the same direction. This occurs during full and new moons.

List 3 facts about the Earth given by the book. It is the 5th largest planet in the solar system. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

List 3 facts about the Earth given by the book. It has an Elliptical Orbit. This means that the orbit is not a perfect circle. Instead the orbit is an Oval. This is mainly due to the Sun’s gravitational pull on the earth.

List 3 facts about the Earth given by the book. The Earth is approximately 93 million miles away from the Sun. It would take many of your lifetimes to reach it by any of the speeds attainable at this time.

What is Solar Energy and how does it effect us, here on the Earth Solar energy is energy that is emitted from the sun, usually in the form of heat or light. Effects on the Earth All life needs sun Weather Influences homes, foods, sports, and other activities

I.D. and define the 3 relationships that determine how much solar energy the Earth gets. Rotation, or the complete spin of the earth on its axis. The earth spins West to East. So the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. This allows the entire planet to be warmed and lit.

I.D. and define the 3 relationships that determine how much solar energy the Earth gets. Revolution is when the Earth circles the sun in an oval orbit, every 365.25 days. We acquire a day every 4 years, from the extra ¼ day. When this happens we call it leap year.

I.D. and define the 3 relationships that determine how much solar energy the Earth gets. The final relationship is tilt. The Earth is tilted on its axis in relation to the sun. This causes there to be differences in the length of the day and night. The axis of the Earth is fixed towards the North Star, not the sun. Being fixed towards the North Star gives it a tilt of 23 1/2 degrees. This also effects how much sun a certain place may receive.

What is a Tropical Region? Tropical Regions are those located with in 23 ½ degrees of the Equator. These areas are generally warm . Examples would be: *Philippines * Much of Africa * Brazil * Vietnam

What is a Polar Region? These are areas above 66 ½ degrees latitude. These regions get there name because they are predominately the poles themselves.

What happens when the North Pole is points towards the Sun? When this happens you will end up with the Northern hemisphere having the warm weather. This is our summer time and happens on June 21. During this time the Southern hemisphere experiences winter time.

What happens when the South Pole is points towards the Sun? When this happens you will end up with the Southern hemisphere having the warm weather. This is their summer time and happens on December 21. During this time the Northern hemisphere experiences winter time.

What causes the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to have opposing seasons? The tilt of the Earth causes the seasons. Due to the Earths tilt one hemisphere is in one season while the other is in the opposing season. The hemisphere with the most “direct rays” of sun light is the one in the summer season.

Coach, What is a Solstice? This is when the Earth’s poles are at their greatest angle towards or away from the sun. This happens on June 21st and December 21st. What makes these days special?

Why the Arctic and Antarctic Circles are important to the discussion of the Solstice. Northern Pole pointed at the sun: When this happens you will end up with 24 hours of day light within the Artic Circle. This is everything above 66 ½ degrees North Latitude. You also have night for 24 hours at the South Pole. This happens on June 21st. Southern pole pointed at the sun: When this happens you will end up with 24 hours of daylight within the Antarctic Circle. This is located above 66 ½ degrees South latitude. You also have 24 hours of night time at the North Pole. This happens on December 21st.

What is this Equinox thing all about? Definition: “When Earth’s poles are not pointed at or away from the sun.” In Latin this term means “Equal night” This could be important to you later on, like on a quiz or your test.

When is an equinox? An equinox happens to mark the beginning of the Fall or Spring season. Specific dates are March 21 and September 22. These dates are not set in stone.

Why are they important? Equinoxes are important because it is the only time that both the day and the night last 12 hours a piece. Day time = Night time

Section 3 Objectives Indentify Earth’s four spheres. Analyze how Earth’s environment is unique in our solar system.

I.D. and define the Earth’s 4 Spheres. Give examples of each.

The Lithosphere This is the solid crust of the planet. This outer crust includes rocks and soils. It forms Earth’s continents, islands, and ocean floors.

The Hydrosphere This is all of Earth’s water. 70% of Earth is covered by water. This includes water in any form, such as ice, liquid or gas forms.

The Atmosphere The Envelope of gases that surrounds Earth is called its atmosphere. Outermost sphere, extending form Earth’s surface to space. It is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and the rest is a combination of CO2, O3, and many other gases.

The Biosphere This is the part of earth that includes all forms of life. What could this include? Well, I will tell you.

The Biosphere Animals are an intricate part of the earths Biosphere.

The Biosphere Plants also allow serve as part of the biosphere. Plants give off Oxygen that allows the animals of the biosphere to breath.

The Biosphere The last part of the biosphere is something very near and dear to you. It would be you! Human beings are the most influential part of the Earth’s biosphere.

What makes the Earth different from all the other planets we know of? This is a discussion questions for the class.

And that concludes our presentation. Now take out a sheet of paper and get ready for a quiz. You may begin applauding now!