U2 Ch5 - Flashcards - Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Front

What alignment is necessary for a total lunar eclipse to occur?

Back

Earth, Sun, and Moon aligned with Earth in between the Sun and Moon

Front

What causes solar and lunar eclipses?

Back

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon blocks the Sun; lunar eclipses happen when Earth blocks sunlight from the Moon.

Front

During a lunar eclipse, what causes the Moon to appear red or orange?

Back

The Earth’s atmosphere refracting sunlight

Front

How often does a total solar eclipse occur in any one specific location?

Back

Once every 375 years on average

Front

Why doesn’t a lunar eclipse happen every full Moon?

Back

Because the Moon’s orbital plane is tilted relative to Earth’s orbital plane

Front

What is an annular eclipse?

Back

An eclipse where the edge of the Sun is visible around the Moon

Front

What part of the shadow do you need to be in to see a total solar eclipse?

Back

The umbra

Front

When can a solar eclipse occur?

Back

During a new Moon

Front

How does the Moon’s 5-degree tilt of its orbital plane to Earth’s orbital plane lead to the frequency of eclipses?

Back

It means the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned most of the time.

Front

Why aren’t solar eclipses seen simultaneously all over the world?

Back

Because the Earth is round and different places experience day and night at different times