Private Universe

PreConceptions

1. How the phases of the moon occur?
The moon stays in the same position relative to the sun (doesn't spin). The same half of the moon is always light and the same half of the moon is always dark. (see Decepticons) Depending on where the moon is in ITS orbit around the sun, we see different amounts of the light half. (cresent, etc)
2. What causes the seasons?
The earth's axis is on a 23 (and a half?) degree tilt. When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, it is winter. When the southern hemisphere is farther away from the sun, it is winter there. Has nothing to do with the orbit around the sun!
3. What causes the lunar eclipse?
The earth creates a shadow over the moon. (Lunar eclipse, moon is covered. Solar eclipse, sun is covered.)

After Lesson
Yay! I got it right..ish.

Clarification: I was right that the hemispheres experience winter when they are tilted away from the sun, but NOT because they are farther away from the sun. I was fuzzy on that point. At millions of miles from the sun, that little change is distance isn't what makes the difference. The tilted-away hemispheres experience winter because they are receiving indirect sunlight. The equator/tropics is always experiencing direct rays, and so it is often hottest (and most consistent) there. Everywhere but the equator is experiencing varying degrees of indirect light, but more direct rays = summer and less direct rays = winter. For example, Iowa will never have completely direct rays, but since southern Florida is closer to the equator, it is receiving more direct rays. Thus, warmer climate.

I won't even get into the effect of water. :)