Chapter 29 Flashcards
Sphere
A round three dimensional object where the surface is an equal distance from the center in all directions.
Ellipse
An elongated, closed curve with two foci (Focuses).
Is the Earth a perfect sphere?
No. The diameter is longer than pole to pole.
What are some ancient observations that prove Earth is a sphere?
Any object that falls, falls straight down. The shadow on the moon during a lunar eclipse is round. If the Earth were flat, everyone on Earth would see the same stars.
What are two factors that affect gravitational strength?
The mass of an object and the distance between them.
Which diameter is longer than the other?
The diameter from pole to pole is longer than the diameter of the equator.
What does the magnetic field protect Earth from?
Harmful radiation from the sun.
What does the magnetic field protect Earth from?
Harmful radiation from the sun.
Which hemisphere is the south magnetic pole located in?
Northern hemisphere.
Which hemisphere is the north magnetic pole located in?
Southern hemisphere.
What degrees does the Earth tilt at?
11.7 degrees
Can the magnetic poles change?
Yes, they can.
What is the name of the large scale movements when the magnetic poles switch?
Magnetic reversals.
When do the magnetic reversals occcur?
Every 200,000 years.
When was the last time the poles flipped?
80,000 years ago.
Which part of the Earth’s magnetic field deflects harmful radiation from the sun?
Earth’s magnetic field.
What are the two scientific names for the Northern and Southern lights.
Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.
How are the Aurora’s created?
Electrically charged particles from the sun and atoms collide in the atmosphere causing lights.
When is Earth closet to the sun?
Early January and it is about 147 million kilometers away.
When is Earth farthest away from the sun?
Early July and it is about 152 million kilometers away.
Time Zone
An area 15 degrees wide where time is the same.
Rotation
The spinning of Earth on it’s axis an imaginary line running from North to South pole.
Revolution
The motion of Earth in an elliptical orbit around the sun.
Ecliptic
The plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun.