Definitions Flashcards
(11 cards)
Axis
An imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth on which it spins
Eclipse
When a celestial object gets between two other celestial objects, hence blocking the passage of the sun’s rays
Equinox
That time of the year when the sun’s rays are directly over the equator, causing places at or near the equator to have 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light
Hemisphere
The term used to describe the section of the earth when an imaginary line cuts it in half
Lunar eclipse
When the sun earth and moon form a straight line whereby the Earth is casting a shadow onto the moon
Oblate Ellipsoid
The term used to describe the shape of the earth, whereby it is widest at the equator and getting smaller and flatter as one reaches the poles
Revolution
The time taken for the Earth to go around the sun once along a designated path, usually 365 1/4 days
Rotation
The time taken for the Earth to make one complete turn on its axis usually 24 hours
Sidereal month
The time taken for the moon to complete one journey Around the Earth, usually 27 days seven hours and 41 minutes
Solar eclipse
When the sun moon and earth for a straight line so that the moon blocks the suns rays from reaching earth and the moon cast the shadow onto the earths surface
Solstice
That time of the year, when the sun reaches its maximum angle of inclination over the tropics and changes direction either Northward or Southward