Eclipses

When one celestial body moves into the path of another, blocking its light, the event is known as an eclipse. There are two types of eclipses. A solar eclipse is when he moon blocks the sun. A lunar eclipse is when the Earth blocks the sun's light from reaching the moon. Because objects in space travel according to a pattern, solar and lunar eclipses are predictable. So you can find out when the next eclipse is happening and whether you can see it from where you live.

Which of the following is NOT true about eclipses?

• They occur when light is blocked

• They can be lunar or solar

• They are unpredictable events

• They can be seen from Earth

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

The Earth travels around the sun in a curved path called an orbit. Similarly, the moon orbits the Earth. The position of the sun and the moon determine what phase the moon is in. Since the moon's orbit is tilted, it usually passes slightly above or below the line between the sun and the Earth. That's why there isn't an eclipse every day and night.

Which of the following best describes the moon's orbit?

• It moves along a tilted curve

• It often goes directly between the Earth and the sun

• It travels around the sun

• It moves in a straight line

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and a full moon. When viewed from the right part of Earth, you will see the shadow of the Earth fall across the surface of the moon. During a lunar eclipse, the moon appears to be a reddish-orange color. Lunar eclipses only happen at night.

Which of the following gives a clue that a lunar eclipse is occurring?

• The moon looks like it's red

• It is daytime

• There is no shadow on the moon

• The moon is between the sun and the Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes directly between the sun and Earth. Solar eclipses occur during a new moon. The moon blocks the sun's light from reaching Earth; the sky appears to darken as the moon moves in front of the sun and then lightens as the moon moves away.

During a solar eclipse the sun's ultra-hot corona, or outer atmosphere, is visible as it splays far across the sky. The word "corona" comes from the Latin word for "crown." The corona looks like a crown of flames that encircles the sun.

NEVER EVER look at a solar eclipse without a proper viewing device, it could burn your eyes - and even permanently blind you. Generally, never look right at the sun!

During a solar eclipse, the _______ blocks the _________.

• moon, sun

• Earth, sun

• Earth, moon

• corona, Earth

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

An eclipse can be total or partial. Total eclipses are very rare. In order to experience a total solar eclipse, you must be within the moon's umbra, or shadow. During a partial eclipse, the sun looks like a big crescent moon.

It is estimated that from any spot on Earth, a total solar eclipse can only be viewed once every 370 years. But if you're willing to travel, you don't have to wait that long. There's a solar eclipse somewhere on Earth nearly every year.

A total solar eclipse:

• Happens 370 times a year

• Can only be experienced from inside the moon's umbra.

• Is easily viewed from anywhere on Earth.

• Causes the sun to look like a crescent moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When does a lunar eclipse occur?

• At night

• When the earth's shadow covers the moon

• When the earth comes between the sun and a full moon

• All of the above

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a lunar eclipse, what color does the moon appear?

• black

• red-orange

• yellow-green

• white

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A solar eclipse only happens during a ______ moon.

• new

• crescent

• gibbous

• full

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A lunar eclipse only happens during a _________ moon.

• new

• crescent

• gibbous

• full

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which kind of eclipse does the picture show?

• lunar

• solar

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1