State the approximate diameter of the Moon and its approximate distance from Earth.

2.2

Explain that the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth as it orbits the Earth.

2.3

Explain why it is possible to observe more than 50% of the Moon’s surface from Earth.

2.4

Explain the Moon’s phases, the shadow terminator, and its effects on the visible lunar surface.

Describe the principle features on the Moon.

Describe the origins of craters, domes, maria, mountains, mascons, rilles and wrinkle ridges.

2.7

2.8

Describe the dangers of direct observation of the Sun, and simple techniques for safe observation.

2.9

State that the Sun is a star.

2.10

State that the Sun produces energy by nuclear reactions in the core, converting H into He.

2.11

State the approximate diameter of the Sun, its distance from Earth, and its surface temperature.

Describe the solar corona, photosphere and chromosphere.

2.13

Describe the temperature distribution through the layers of the Sun.

2.14

Describe the influence of the Sun’s magnetic field on the appearance of the corona.

2.15

Describe the appearance of sunspots (umbra, penumbra, groups), prominences and solar flares.

2.16

Describe the long-term drift of sunspots, and the sunspot cycle.

2.17

Recognise characteristics of Fraunhofer lines and use in determining composition of the Sun.

2.18

Describe the solar wind and explain its influence on the Van Allen belts and the aurorae.

2.19

Describe the appearance of solar and lunar eclipses.

2.20

Describe with the aid of diagrams the mechanism causing solar and lunar eclipses.

2.21

Explain the different durations of eclipses, and reasons for partial and annular eclipses.

2.22

Explain why the corona can only be observed from Earth at the time of a total solar eclipse.