Earth Orbit and Rotation 5-ESS1-2

Axis

The imaginary line around which Earth rotates, it runs through Earth from pole to pole. axis. The axis is like an invisible stick through the center of Earth that helps it spin.

Constellation

A pattern or shape formed by a group of stars. Constellation. In simple terms, a constellation is a group of stars in the sky that forms a picture, like a dot-to-dot game.

Equinox

The two days a year when the Sun is directly over the equator, making day and night equal equinox. An equinox is when day and night are the same length because the Sun is directly over the equator.

Latitude

The distance in degrees north or south of the equator. Latitude. Latitude is how we measure how far north or south a place is from the equator.

Longitude

The distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian. Longitude. Longitude is a way to measure how far a place is to the east or west of an imaginary line called the prime meridian.

Orbit

The path of one body around another, like Earths orbit around the Sun. Orbit. An orbit is the circular or oval-shaped path that an object takes as it moves around another object in space.

Rotation

The turning of a planet on its axis. Rotation. Rotation is when a planet spins around an imaginary line called its axis.

Season

A period of unique climate caused by the tilt of the Earth as it revolves around the Sun. Season. Seasons are times of the year with specific weather patterns and daylight hours because of how Earth tilts and moves around the Sun.