Objective 4: Explain how the model of the solar system can explain eclipses.

In this three-dimensional model of an eclipse, what is the importance of placing the sun on an immovable stand?

• It shows that the planets follow elliptical orbits.

• It shows that all three bodies lie in the same solar system plane.

• It indicates that the Sun is the center of rotation in this system.

• It shows the how force of gravity started on Earth and spreads out to the Sun.

In this three-dimensional model of an eclipse, what is the importance of placing all three bodies on a flat board?

• It represents the elliptical orbit of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

• It shows the force of gravity that pulls all three objects toward Earth.

• It shows that all three bodies lie in the same solar system plane.

• It indicates that the Earth is the center of rotation in this system.

What type of eclipse does this model explain?

• It shows that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow over the moon.

• It shows how a lunar eclipse can only occur in the night.

• It shows that a solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts a shadow over the Earth.

• It shows that a solar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow over the moon.

How does this model explain a type of eclipse?

• It shows that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow over the moon.

• It shows that a solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts a shadow over the Earth.

• It shows how a lunar eclipse can only occur in the night.

• It shows that a solar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow over the moon.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. A lunar eclipse can only occur during a

• full moon.

• new moon.

• first quarter moon.

• last quarter moon.

A person standing at Point X on Earth is watching a lunar eclipse. Which diagram shows the most likely locations of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Point X during the eclipse?

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A direct alignment of bodies in the solar system can occur.

This alignment causes which phenomenon at Point X on Earth?

• low tides

• full moon

• solar eclipse

• winter season

The diagram illustrates the Moon, Earth, and the Sun.

Which event is most likely to be caused by this alignment of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun?

• neap tide

• new moon

• lunar eclipse

• vernal equinox

During a solar eclipse, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun. During which phase of the Moon does a solar eclipse occur?

• crescent

• full

• gibbous

• new

A student made sketches of a solar eclipse every 10 minutes as shown.

Which of these is most likely the next sketch in the sequence?

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