Special Sub-Topic: Earth, Sun and Moon Click Here To Play: Earth, Sun and Moon

About how often does a lunar eclipse occur?

At least twice a year. A lunar eclipse occurs whenever the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. The Sun, Moon and Earth have to be aligned in just the right way for this to happen. The Moon is always a full moon before a lunar eclipse.

About how long does it take the moon to orbit the Earth?

28 days. This period of time is called a Lunar Month. During the Moon's orbit it will appear to have different shapes when viewed from Earth. This is because the sun will only be able to reflect off certain parts of the Moon depending on where in its orbit the Moon is at the time.

From what direction do we see the sun rise?

East. For us on Earth, the sun rises in the east and then sets in the west. However, the sun does not really move at all. It is the Earth that is rotating that makes the sun appear to be in a different place in the sky.

Which of these is NOT a word you can use to describe the shape of the Moon?

String. A full moon is when the Moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun. A crescent moon is the shape of the Moon seen when it is less than half lit by the Sun. A gibbous moon is when the Moon is more than half lit by the sun but not completely. It comes directly before or after a full moon.

How many natural satellites does the Earth have?

One. A natural satellite is a non man-made object that orbits a planet that is larger than itself. The Earth's natural satellite is called the Moon.

What word is used to describe the shape of the Moon's orbit around the Earth?

Ellipse. This is also true for the shape of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. An ellipse looks like a squashed or elongated circle and is an identical shape at both ends.

Which of the following is our Solar System's only natural light source?

A star. Remember, the sun is also a star! The Earth and Moon do not emit light. However, the Moon may sometimes look as if it does but really it is the sun reflecting off it that makes it look this way. Lightbulbs are not natural light sources as they are man-made.

The Earth's axis is slightly tilted. What does this cause?

Seasons. The seasons are Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The axis is what runs throught the middle of the Earth and connects the North and South poles.

The Sun is closer to the Earth than the Moon is.

f. The Moon takes a shorter time to orbit the Earth than the Earth does to orbit the sun! If the Sun was as close to Earth as the Moon then all the oceans would dry up and we would all burn!

When it is summer in your country it will also be summer for everyone else around the world at that time.

f. People living in different hemispheres (the top and bottom halves) of the world have opposite seasons. For example, when it is summer in the UK it is winter in Australia. Which season you experience at which time of year depends on which hemisphere you live in. (UK is in the northern hemisphere whilst Australia is in the southern hemisphere).