Eclipse

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.

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 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 the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the darkest, innermost part of a shadow during an eclipse.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the lighter, outer part of a shadow during an eclipse.

Front

Why don't we have a lunar eclipse every month?

Back

We do not have a lunar eclipse every month because the tilt of the Moon's orbit is about 5 degrees, which means the Earth, Moon, and Sun do not always align perfectly.

Front

What happens during a total lunar eclipse?

Back

During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbra, causing it to appear red.

Front

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

Back

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Moon enters the Earth's umbra.

Front

What is a total solar eclipse?

Back

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

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.