Back to Eclipses, Tides, & Phases of the Moon (ELL)

Study Guide

Quick meanings for every word. Pair Tier 3 words with pictures to support newcomers.

Beginner ELL Core Idea

  • The Moon moves around Earth.
  • Gravity pulls the Moon and water.
  • Moon shapes change in a cycle.
WordMeaning
AngleAn angle shows direction or turn.
Full MoonA full moon looks like a full circle.
GalaxyA galaxy is a group of many stars.
GravityGravity pulls objects together.
New MoonA new moon cannot be seen.
PartialPartial means not all.
PhasesPhases are the changing shapes of the Moon.
PositionPosition is where something is.
SphereA sphere is round like a ball.
SpringSpring tides happen when gravity is strong.
TideA tide is the rise and fall of ocean water.
TiltTilt means leaning to one side.
AxisAn axis is an invisible line. Earth spins around it.
AnnularAnnular means a ring shape. The Moon does not fully cover the Sun.
CoronaThe corona is light around the Sun.
CrescentA crescent is a thin curved shape.
CyclicalCyclical means it repeats again and again.
EclipseAn eclipse happens when one object blocks another.
ForcesForces are pushes or pulls.
GibbousGibbous means more than half is lit.
Gravitational PullGravitational pull is the force of gravity.
HybridA hybrid eclipse changes types as it moves.
Lunar EclipseEarth blocks sunlight from the Moon.
Milky WayThe Milky Way is our galaxy.
NeapNeap tides are weak tides. The water moves less.
OrbitOrbit is the path around something.
Path of TotalityThe path of totality is where the eclipse is total.
PenumbraThe penumbra is a light shadow.
ReflectionReflection is light bouncing off the Moon.
RevolutionRevolution is moving around another object.
RotationRotation is spinning in place.
Solar EclipseThe Moon blocks the Sun.
TotalityTotality means fully covered.
UmbraThe umbra is the darkest shadow.
WaningWaning means getting smaller.
WaxingWaxing means getting bigger.
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