Eclipses

Front

What is an eclipse?

Back

An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body, blocking the light from a source such as the Sun.

Front

What are the two main types of eclipses?

Back

The two main types of eclipses are solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse, where the light source is completely blocked.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the lighter part of a shadow during an eclipse, where the light source is partially blocked.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth?

Back

It takes approximately one month for the Moon to complete an orbit around the Earth.

Front

Who were the first to estimate the size of the Moon using geometry?

Back

The ancient Greeks were the first to use geometry to estimate the size of the Moon.

Front

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

Back

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and the day temporarily turns to night in the path of totality.

Front

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Back

A partial solar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.