Patterns in Space

sunrise


The Sun

the sun

Our sun is a star that is approximately 92.96 million miles away from the Earth. It is 432,288 miles across and the surface temperature is 5,788 K. It is the center of our Solar System that all planets orbit. It takes about 8 minutes for light from the sun to reach the Earth. The sun is the source of light and heat for our planet. It appears to move from east to west across the sky during the day. The gravitational pull from the sun keeps the planets in their orbit.


The Moon

phases of the moon

The Moon follows patterns monthly in the sky. Each night it appears to change shape in the sky. The light we see from the Moon is a reflection from the sun. The moon appears to move across the sky during the day/night from east to west. The phases of the moon throughout the month are shown in the picture. The Moon is 238,900 miles away from the Earth and orbits the Earth.


The Earth

the Earth

The cycle of day and night on Earth occurs every 24 hours. The light and heat from the sun allows life here on Earth. Without the light and heat from the Sun, living things would not be able to survive. Though it does not feel like it, the Earth is always moving. It rotates on its axit once every 24 hours. The Earth also revolves around the sun in an orbital path. We revolve around the sun once every year, or 365 days.



Quick Check - copy responses in your notebook or take the Google Quiz below.

  1. How does the sun appear to move across our sky?
  2. What causes shadows to appear on Earth?
  3. A _____________ eclipse is when the Moon blocks the light from the sun.
  4. A _____________ eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the light to the moon.
  5. The moon appears to move from ________ to ______ across the sky.
  6. What force causes us to stay on the Earth and causes the planets to orbit the sun?
  7. The Earth ___________ on its axis once every 24 hours.
  8. The Earth ___________ around the sun every 365 days.
  9. Does the moon produce its own light? Why or why not?
  10. We can survive on Earth because the sun provides _________________.

Sun, Moon and Earth Games and Activities


Planets for Kids - Sun

Kids National Geographic - Space

Planets for Kids - Moon

Easy Science for Kids - Our Moon

Plants for Kids - Earth


Contact Mrs. Hankins: dhankins@fz.k12.mo.us

Written by D. Hankins