Earth orbit axis rotation tilt [comprehension quiz]

All of the planets orbit [go around] the Sun. Which is why it is called a Solar System. They ALL orbit the Sun in an anti-clockwise direction. That's opposite to a clock. It takes the Earth 365 days [one year] to orbit the Sun. The animation also shows the Moon orbiting the Earth. The Earth also rotates [spins] anti-clockwise on its axis. The axis is an imaginary line through the Earth shown here in yellow. However, at some point in history it is thought that Earth was in collision with another planet called Theia. It is thought that most of Theia became part of the Earth. The debris is thought to have become the Moon. However, the collision caused the Earth to develop a tilt of around 23 degrees. This animation shows how big that is. So the Earth rotates on its axis with a tilt of 23 degrees and the angle and direction of the tilt is always the same throughout the year.

1. What does the word rotate mean ? anti-clockwise to go around to spin 2. Why is it thought the Earth has a tilt? all planets are the same it was in collision with another planet the Earth is lopsided 3. How many degrees from upright is the tilt? 23 24 25 4. Where is it thought some of Theia went? collected to form the Moon flying off into space became part of other planets 5. How long does it take for the Earth to orbit the Sun? 51 weeks 52 weeks 53 weeks

There are 9 pictures in a grid. As you hover over each picture a blue screen appears on which there is some information about what is being shown in the picture. Read this information and look at each picture to make sure you understand what is being shown. If you want to check how much you understand try the quiz on the right hand side. To start the activity again just refresh the page.