Earth+Systems

Name: Date: Block: MCAS Prep – Astronomy – Earth Systems


 * 1) The moon’s orbit causes its appearance to change in a regular pattern. Which is the correct order below?
 * 2) Gibbous, crescent, new, quarter, full
 * 3) New, crescent, quarter, gibbous, full
 * 4) Crescent, gibbous, new, full, quarter
 * 5) New, quarter, gibbous, crescent, full


 * 1) During which moon phase is it possible to experience a solar eclipse?
 * 2) New b. Full c. Gibbous d. 1st Quarter


 * 1) On or around March 21 and September 21 each year, the earth experiences which of the following?
 * 2) Solstice b. Eclipse c. Equinox d. perihelion


 * 1) When observing the moon cycle through its phases, you should notice which of the following?
 * 2) More of the moon’s right side is visible each day as it approaches full moon.
 * 3) More of the moon’s left side is visible each day as it approaches full moon.
 * 4) The moon’s left side darkens as it approaches full moon.
 * 5) The moon’s left side brightens as it approaches full moon.


 * 1) A lunar eclipse can only occur during
 * 2) Equinox b. New Moon c. Full Moon d. Aphelion


 * 1) The season’s on earth are the result of
 * 2) Differential heating between air & water c. Change in the angle of the sun
 * 3) Elliptical orbit of the earth’s orbit d. Motion of the sun


 * 1) How many tides does the earth experience each day?
 * 2) Two high and two low tides c. One high and one low tide
 * 3) One high tide d. It depends on the day


 * 1) The cause of the earth’s tides is
 * 2) The pull of the sun c. The spin on its axis
 * 3) The gravity from the moon d. tilt of the earth


 * 1) The highest high tide of the month is called the
 * 2) Neap Tide b. Spring Tide c. Full Tide d. Summer Tide


 * 1) Open Response – The earth, moon and sun are gravitationally connected to each other this results in a continuous change in the moon’s appearance throughout its monthly orbit.
 * 2) List the 8 major phases of the moon in order from new moon to the next new moon.
 * 3) Choose one phase and diagram the orientation of earth, moon, and sun which would cause that phase.


 * 1) The earth reaches perihelion (closest approach to sun) during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. Describe why the earth is cool at this time of year even though it is close to the sun.