Eclipses and Tides

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on different parts of the Earth.

Front

True or False: The gravitational pull of the moon and sun affects the height of tides.

Back

True

Front

What alignment is necessary for an eclipse to occur?

Back

The Moon, Sun, and Earth must be in alignment.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are nearly in a line, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

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 cover the moon.

Front

True or False: The position of the moon does not affect the tides on Earth.

Back

False

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How often do spring and neap tides occur?

Back

Spring and neap tides occur approximately every two weeks.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun's light, while a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.