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Ch 20
vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| equator | imaginary line that divides Earth into its northern and southern hemispheres |
| equinox | day when Earth’s axis is not leaning toward or away from the Sun |
| orbit | path an object follows as it moves around another object |
| revolution | motion of an object around another object |
| rotation | spinning motion |
| rotation axis | line on which an object rotates |
| solstice | day when Earth’s rotation axis is the most toward or away from the Sun |
| maria | large, dark, flat areas on the Moon |
| phase | lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be seen from Earth |
| waning phase | occurs when less of the Moon’s near side is lit each night |
| waxing phase | occurs when more of the Moon’s near side is lit each night |
| lunar eclipse | occurs when the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow |
| penumbra | lighter part of a shadow where light is partially blocked |
| solar eclipse | occurs when the Moon’s shadow appears on Earth’s surface |
| tide | daily rise and fall of sea level |
| umbra | central, darker part of a shadow where light is totally blocked |