Questions and Answers
What is totality?
What does it mean when the moon waxes?
The illuminated portion of the moon increases.
What is apogee?
The furthest point of the moon's orbit.
What is the sidereal period of the moon?
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What does the term umbra refer to?
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What is perigee?
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What does the synodic period of the moon represent?
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What is the penumbra?
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What does it mean when the moon wanes?
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What are nodes in relation to the moon?
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In most months, there are no eclipses.
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As the illuminated part of the moon grows larger from new to full, it is said to 'wane'.
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When the moon is totally eclipsed, it is illuminated by some sunlight reflected by Earth's atmosphere.
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A 'larger' moon on the horizon is an optical illusion.
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The moon has a dark side that is never lit by the sun.
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There is one side of the moon that can be seen directly by observers on Earth.
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What are the two parts of a shadow during an eclipse?
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What does a waning crescent moon mean?
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What is a new moon?
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What does a waxing gibbous moon mean?
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What happens every 29.5 days?
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What creates a total lunar eclipse?
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What gives the moon a coppery glow during a total eclipse?
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During a total solar eclipse, what part of the sun is often visible that we normally cannot see?
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What happens during a partial lunar eclipse?
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At what point is the moon farthest away from Earth?
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The diamond ring effect is a characteristic of which phenomena?
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The chromosphere is often marked by eruptions on the solar surface called?
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A solar eclipse can occur when the moon is:
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A lunar eclipse can only occur when the moon is:
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What is the safest way or method to observe a solar eclipse?
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Study Notes
Lunar Terminology and Definitions
- Totality refers to the complete phase of an eclipsed moon.
- Waxes describes the process where the illuminated portion of the moon increases from new moon to full moon.
- Apogee is the furthest point in the moon's orbit from Earth.
- Sidereal Period indicates the moon's orbital period with respect to the stars, which lasts 27 days.
- Umbra denotes the total shadow during an eclipse where light is completely blocked.
- Perigee marks the closest point in the moon's orbit to Earth.
- Synodic Period represents the complete cycle of lunar phases, lasting 29.5 days.
- Penumbra describes a partial shadow in which sunlight is diminished but not entirely blocked.
- Wanes refers to the phase where the illuminated portion of the moon decreases from full moon to new moon.
Eclipses and Their Characteristics
- Eclipses do not occur in most months, confirming that eclipses are not a regular event.
- When illuminated, the moon transitions from new to full, it is said to "wax," not "wane."
- During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is illuminated by sunlight that is refracted through Earth's atmosphere, giving it a coppery glow.
- A "larger" moon on the horizon is simply an optical illusion; it appears larger due to atmospheric effects.
Observational Aspects
- The Moon has one side that is permanently visible from Earth due to synchronous rotation; the other side, often referred to as the "dark side," is never seen.
- A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes completely through Earth’s umbra.
- During a total solar eclipse, the corona, the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, becomes visible, which is usually obscured by the sun's brightness.
Lunar Phases and Eclipses
- A waning crescent moon indicates the moon's phase between the third quarter and new moon.
- A new moon occurs when sunlight illuminates only the far side of the moon.
- A waxing gibbous moon signifies the phase between the first quarter and new moon.
- Every 29.5 days, the moon completes its synodic month, cycling through its different phases.
Observational Safety and Phenomena
- The safest method to observe a solar eclipse is through a pinhole projection, protecting eyes from harmful sunlight.
- The diamond ring effect is a phenomenon observed during a solar eclipse, adding to the visual spectacle.
- Eruptions on the solar surface during an eclipse are marked by prominences, located in the chromosphere.
Key Points on Eclipses
- A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon partially enters the Earth's umbra.
- A solar eclipse can only happen when the moon is in the new phase.
- A lunar eclipse can only take place when the moon is full.
- Apogee signifies the point where the moon is at its farthest from Earth.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key terms related to lunar phenomena with these flashcards covering Chapter 3 of Astronomy. From 'totality' to 'umbra', each definition helps you grasp the concepts of moon phases and eclipses. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of lunar cycles.
