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Earth's Motion
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| orbit | The path an object follows as it moves around another object |
| Revolution | The orbit of one object around another abject |
| Rotation | The spin of an abject around its axis |
| Rotation axis | The line on which an object rotates |
| Solstice | When Earth's rotation axis is tilted directly toward or away from the sun |
| Equinox | When Earth's rotation axis is tilted neither toward nor way from the sun |
| Maria | Molten rock stored beneath Earth's surface |
| Phase | The portion of the moon or a plant reflecting as seen from Earth |
| Waxing phases | Phases of the moon during which more of the moon's near side is lit each night |
| Waning phases | Phases of the moon during which less of the moon's near side is lit each night |
| Umbra | The central, darker part of a shadow where light is totally blocked |
| Penumbra | The lighter part of a shadow where light is partially blocked |
| Solar eclipse | An occurrence during which the Moon's shadow appears on Earth's surface. |
| Lunar eclipse | An occurrence during which the Moon moves into Earth's shadow |
| Tide | The periodic rise and fall of the ocean's surface caused by the gravitational force between Earth and the Moon, and between Earth and the sun |