Space Cycles Thinking Questions

Why does a solar eclipse last for only a few minutes in any one location?

Because the Earth rotates, it will take only a few minutes to move out of the Moon's shadow.

Why can't you see a new moon?

The lighted half of the Moon is facing the Sun, not Earth.

When do the Sun's rays directly hit the Tropic of Cancer?

They directly hit the Tropic of Cancer during the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere (June 21 or 22).

Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align as Earth moves into the Moon's shadow.

Explain how a lunar eclipse occurs.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align as the Moon moves into Earth's shadow.

Identify two properties of Earth that cause it to have changing seasons.

Identify two properties of the Earth that cause it to have changing seasons. Earth's tilted axis and Earth's revolution around the Sun are the properties that lead to Earth's changing seasons.

Explain the effect of each of the properties you named in the previous question.

During winter in Texas, Earth's tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to be pointed away from the Sun. This means the Sun's rays are spread out over a large area. During summer, the Northern Hemisphere is pointed toward the Sun. Sunlight is less spread out, so areas get more solar energy and heat up. As Earth revolves around the Sun, the tilt of its axis does not change. So, when Earth gets to the other side of the Sun, it is tilted so that the Northern Hemisphere is away from the Sun.

Describe how the length of the days in the Northern Hemisphere changes with the four seasons

In the Northern Hemisphere, the longest days are in the summer months. The day length decreases through the fall. In winter, days are shortest. Day length increases during the spring. Earth's revolution around the Sun is a major cause of the changing day length.