Tides and Eclipses

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight from reaching Earth.

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 where a total eclipse can be seen.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the lighter outer part of a shadow where a partial eclipse can be viewed.

Front

What alignment is needed for an eclipse to occur?

Back

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

Front

What happens during an eclipse?

Back

One object in space moves into the shadow cast by another object.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

The tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is a total eclipse?

Back

A total eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, as seen from Earth.

Front

What is a partial eclipse?

Back

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