The Moon

Question 1

Tidal Locking

Answer 1

When the gravitational affect of one celestial body forces another to always face the same way. Our moon is an example of this. Earth’s gravitational effects on the Moon means the Moon’s rotation time and orbit time have become synchronized.

This means we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth, no matter when or where we look.

Question 2

Lunar Tidal Forces

Answer 2

When the moon is directly overhead, it causes a high tide both at your overhead location and on the opposite side of the world. The high tide on the other side of the world is due to the moon’s gravity pulling the Earth away from the distant water. There are two primary types of tides.

Question 3

Neap Tides

Answer 3

The tides that occur when the moon is at the first of last quarter. Because of the position of the moon, the lunar and and solar forces cancel each other out and the tides that result are lower than normal.

Question 4

Spring tides

Answer 4

The tides that occur when the moon is either in the full or new phases. Because the moon and the sun are lined up in these phases, the tides are much higher than usual.

Question 5

Lunar Eclispe

Answer 5

Occurs when the Earth is directly in between the sun and the moon. The Earth’s shadow then falls across the surface of the full moon, blocking the Sun’s light and causing an eclipse.

Question 6

Solar Eclipse

Answer 6

Occurs when the Moon passes in between the Sun and the Earth. The Sun’s light is completely or partially blocked by the body of the Moon.

Question 7

Lunar Eclipse

Answer 7

Caused by the reflection of light from the Sun based on where the Moon is orbiting the Earth.

Contrary to popular belief, the new moon (completely dark) is not caused by the Earth’s shadow. Rather it is caused by the moon being in between the Earth and the Sun so that no light is shining on our side of the Moon.