1. Sun-Earth-Moon System UNIT 11 STANDARDS: NCES 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 2.1.1 LESSON 3

2. Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you will learn about: The relative position and motions of the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon Describe the phases of the moon Explain eclipses caused by the Sun and Moon

3. Basic Concepts Rotation The movement of the Earth or object on its axis Revolution The movement of the Earth or object around a fixed point.

4. Revolution around the Sun The Earth revolves around the Sun once every year. The different positions of the Earth during this path are the reasons for the seasons.

5. Solstice and Equinox Solstice is when a pole is pointed toward the sun. North Pole = Summer South Pole = Winter Equinox is when the hemispheres get equal amount of sunlight. Vernal and Autumn

6. Phases of the Moon Just as the sun changes position in the sky, so does the moon. The movement of the moon around the earth and our changing viewpoint account for the different phases of the moon.

7. Tides The Moon’s gravity pulls on the Earth. Since it cannot move the Earth, it moves the water on the Earth. The gravity of the moon is what causes some of the movements of the sea. When the moon is over the sea, the water is pulled toward the moon even though the moon is far away.

8. Solar Eclipse Solar Eclipse (Blocks the Sun) A solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth. It blocks our view of the Sun. This is seen during the “daytime” when the sun shines on our hemisphere.

9. Solar Eclipse Summary A Solar Eclipse only takes place when the new moon is in the direct path of the earth and sun, which happens rarely. When the moon is in this position, between the earth and the sun, some of the light form the sun is blocked and cannot reach the earth. Then there is a shadow cast on that part of the earth for a few minutes, and everything is a little darker. A solar eclipse can only occur in the daytime, since we must be facing the sun to receive its light.

10. Lunar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse (Red Moon) A lunar eclipse is when the moon passes in the shadow of the Earth. Only happens with a full moon. The shadow of the Earth causes the moon to look red.

11. Lunar Eclipse Summary The Lunar Eclipse, which occurs when the earth comes directly between the sun and the full moon. Takes place when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow. Earth’s shadow falling on the full moon dims the moon’s light to a dark coppery color. This eerie reddish color results when sunlight is bent as it passes through earth’s atmosphere and then strikes the moon.

12. Section Review 11.3.1 What are the causes for the Earth’s seasons What would our seasons be like if the Earth was not tilted? Why does the moon go through the different phases as seen on Earth? Compare and contrast solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.