Intro to Solar Eclipses

What causes a solar eclipse?

• The moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight.

• The Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow.

• The sun moves behind the moon, creating darkness on Earth.

• Clouds cover the sun, resulting in darkness.

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Why don't solar eclipses happen every month?

• The moon is too small to cover the sun every month.

• Because the Earth's orbit around the sun is elliptical.

• Due to the sun moving too far from Earth.

• Because the moon's orbit around Earth is tilted.

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What is the path of totality?

• The path the Earth takes around the sun.

• The trajectory of the moon's shadow on Earth during an eclipse.

• The orbit of the moon around Earth.

• The area on Earth where night occurs.

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What is an annular eclipse?

• When the Earth blocks the sun from reaching the moon.

• A partial eclipse seen from the penumbral shadow.

• When the moon is too far to fully cover the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight.

• When the moon completely covers the sun.

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How often does any given point on Earth experience a total solar eclipse?

• Every year or two

• Once every 100 years

• About once every 400 years

• Every month

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What are Baily's beads?

• The final moment of totality during an eclipse

• The ring of light during an annular eclipse

• Bright spots of light seen as the moon moves over the sun

• Stars visible during a total solar eclipse

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What is the significance of the Diamond Ring effect?

• It's a rare planetary alignment

• It indicates the moon is too far from Earth

• It's the last phase of a partial eclipse

• It signals the beginning of totality

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When is it safe to remove eclipse glasses during a total solar eclipse?

• During the partial eclipse phase

• When Baily's beads are visible

• Anytime if looking away from the sun

• During totality when the sun is completely covered

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How do animals typically react to a total solar eclipse?

• They become more active

• They do not react

• They may alter their behavior, thinking it's night

• They watch the eclipse

Why will we eventually be unable to see total solar eclipses?

• The moon is moving away from Earth

• Solar eclipses will become more frequent

• The sun will become too bright

• The Earth's orbit will change

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