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.

Front

What are the two main types of eclipses?

Back

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

Front

What happens during a solar eclipse?

Back

During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Front

What happens during a lunar eclipse?

Back

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the darkest part of a shadow where the light source is completely blocked.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the lighter part of a shadow where the light source is only partially blocked.

Front

Why don’t solar eclipses occur every new moon?

Back

Solar eclipses do not occur every new moon because the Moon’s orbit around Earth and Earth’s orbit around the Sun are not in the same plane.

Front

What is the maximum duration of a total solar eclipse?

Back

The maximum duration of a total solar eclipse is about 7 minutes.

Front

During which moon phase does a lunar eclipse occur?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon.

Front

What is a total solar eclipse?

Back

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