Moon Phases, Solar and Lunar Eclipse, Tides, and Seasons

The star at the center of our solar system provides light and energy to Earth.

The movement of one object around another; for Earth, one revolution around the Sun takes one year.

The curved path of a planet, moon, or satellite around another object due to gravity.

A natural satellite that orbits Earth.

The third planet from the Sun, where we live.

The spinning of an object on its axis.

The slant of Earth’s axis relative to its orbit around the Sun.

Sunlight that strikes Earth in a straight line provides more energy and warmth.

An imaginary line through the center of a planet around which it rotates.

Sunlight that reaches Earth at an angle, spreading over a larger area, provides less energy.

The coldest season of the year; occurs when one hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.

The two times each year when day and night are approximately equal in length.

The two points in Earth’s orbit where the Sun appears to reach its highest or lowest point in the sky.

One of four periods of the year marked by specific weather and daylight patterns due to Earth's tilt and orbit.

The season between summer and winter; also called autumn.

A tide with the greatest difference between high and low water, occurring during new and full moons.

The season following winter, when temperatures rise and plants begin to grow.

A tide with the least difference between high and low water, occurring during the first and third quarters of the Moon.

The regular rise and fall of ocean water caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun.

The warmest season of the year, when one hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.

1 hour

a day

1 season

1 year

The moon

The sun

Earth

Venus

Revolution

Orbit

24 hours

Solstice