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Phases, Eclipses and Tides. Phases of the Moon. Why Do We Only See One Side of the Moon?. Synchronous Rotation- The rotation period of the moon is exactly the same as its revolution around the Earth. Solar Eclipse.
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Why Do We Only See One Side of the Moon? • Synchronous Rotation- The rotation period of the moon is exactly the same as its revolution around the Earth.
Solar Eclipse • A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sunlight from Earth • Can only occur during a new moon phase
Parts of a Shadow • Umbra- darkest part of a shadow, where light is totally blocked • Penumbra- lighter, outer part of shadow where light is only partially blocked • A solar eclipse will look different depending on your position on Earth. (Whether you are in the moon’s umbra or penumbra.)
Lunar Eclipse • During a total lunar eclipse the moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, the umbra. • Can only occur during a full moon phase.
Lunar Eclipse Geometry • Can be seen from anywhere on Earth where the moon is visible
Tides • Tides are caused by differences in how much the moon’s gravity pulls on different parts of Earth. • We experience 2 high tides and 2 low tides every 25 hours.
Special Types of Tides • Spring Tides • Greatest distance between consecutive high and low tide • When Sun, moon and Earth are in a straight line (new moon or full moon phase) • Neap Tides • Least difference between consecutive low and high tides • When the Sun’s pull on the oceans is at a right angle (perpendicular) to the moon’s pull • During 1st and 3rd quarter phase