Upload your Asteroid Impact Portfolio. Remember to include the following items: Completed diagram or physical model that illustrates the causes of lunar phases Written explanation of your prediction about how lunar phases might be changed if the moon was hit by an asteroid Completed diagram or physical model that illustrates the causes of Earth's seasons Written explanation of your prediction about how Earth's seasons might be changed if an asteroid impact changed the tilt of Earth's axis To help you do your best, use the rubric to see how you will be graded.
Unfortunately, as a text-based AI, I am unable to upload any physical models or diagrams. However, I can provide you with a written explanation of the predicted changes in lunar phases and Earth's seasons if impacted by an asteroid. Please find the explanations below:
1. Lunar Phases and Asteroid Impact:
If the moon was hit by an asteroid, there would likely be significant changes in lunar phases. Lunar phases are caused by the relative positions of the sun, moon, and Earth. The moon does not emit its own light but reflects sunlight, and different amounts of the illuminated portion of the moon are visible from Earth as it orbits around our planet.
If an asteroid were to impact the moon, it would cause disturbances in the moon's surface and potentially alter its shape or rotation. As a result, the distribution of sunlight reflecting off the moon's surface would change. This disruption could lead to irregular or unpredictable lunar phases.
The impact may also scatter debris into space, potentially creating a lunar dust cloud that could block or scatter sunlight reaching the moon's surface. This might further affect the visibility of lunar phases, causing them to become diffused, hazy, or even unobservable from Earth.
2. Earth's Seasons and Asteroid Impact on Tilt:
Earth's seasons are primarily caused by the tilt of its axis and its orbit around the sun. The tilt of Earth's axis remains relatively constant, leading to the differential heating of different parts of the planet as it orbits the sun. This variation in solar radiation results in different seasons throughout the year.
If an asteroid impact significantly alters the tilt of Earth's axis, it would have a direct impact on the distribution of sunlight across the planet. The change in axial tilt would disrupt the balance between the amount of solar radiation received by the northern and southern hemispheres during different times of the year.
This alteration in the balance of solar heating could lead to modified seasonal patterns across the globe. For example, regions that previously experienced distinct seasons might witness reduced seasonal variation or even the loss of seasons altogether. Conversely, regions that traditionally had milder or more uniform climates might experience more pronounced or extreme seasons.
It is important to note that the extent and nature of these changes would depend on various factors, such as the magnitude and location of the asteroid impact, thus making specific predictions challenging. Additional factors like the size of the asteroid, its angle of impact, and other environmental variables will also influence the ultimate impact on lunar phases and Earth's seasons.
Please consider these explanations and adapt them to your assessment or portfolio as needed.