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The Earth s
equator is
inclined against
the ecliptic by
23.5.
The different
incidence angle
of the Sun s
rays causes the
seasons on
Earth.
The Seasons (II)
The Seasons (III)
End of
Last last
glaciation glaciation
Sense of
Mercury
All planets in revolution:
Venus counter-clockwise
almost circular
(elliptical) orbits
around the Sun,
in approx. the The Moon is
same plane orbiting Earth in
Earth almost the same
(ecliptic)
plane (ecliptic)
Mercury appears, at
most, ~28 from the Sun.
It can occasionally be
seen shortly after sunset
in the west or before
sunrise in the east.
Venus appears, at most,
~46 from the Sun.
It can occasionally be
seen for a few hours (at
most) after sunset in the
west or before sunrise in
the east.
The Phases of the Moon (I)
The Moon is
rotating with
the same
period around
its axis as it is
orbiting Earth
(tidally locked).
We always see
the same side
of the Moon
facing Earth.
The Phases of the Moon (II)
New Moon First Quarter Full Moon
Evening Sky
The Phases of the Moon (III)
Full Moon Third Quarter New Moon
Morning Sky
The Orbit of the Moon (I)
27.32 days
The Moon orbits Earth
in a sidereal period of Moon Earth
27.32 days.
Fixed direction in space
The Orbit of the Moon (II)
Fixed direction in space 29.53 days
Earth
Moon
Moon
Perigee = position
closest to Earth
Sun
Aphelion
(Eccentricities greatly exaggerated!)
= position
furthest
away from
the Sun
Annular Solar Eclipses
The angular
sizes of the
Moon and the
Sun vary,
depending on
their distance
Perigee Apogee Perihelion Aphelion from Earth.
Use specially
designed solar
viewing shades,
solar filters, or a
projection
technique.
Conditions for Eclipses