Understanding Solar Eclipses

What is a solar eclipse?

• A special temporary lineup of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth.

• A lineup of the Sun, the Moon, and Mars.

• The Moon passing behind the Earth.

• The Sun moving between the Earth and the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When does a solar eclipse happen?

• When the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon.

• When the Sun is directly between the Moon and Earth.

• During every Full Moon.

• When the Moon casts a shadow into space that falls on the Earth.

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Which Moon phase is necessary for a solar eclipse to occur?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

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Why don't we get a solar eclipse at every New Moon?

• Because the Moon is too far from the Earth.

• Because the Sun's light is too strong.

• Because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is angled with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun.

• Because the Earth's shadow usually misses the Moon.

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What must happen for a solar eclipse to be seen from Earth?

• The Moon's shadow must fall on the Earth.

• The Earth must cast a shadow on the Moon.

• The Earth must be at the farthest point from the Sun.

• The Sun must be directly between the Moon and Earth.

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Does everyone everywhere see a solar eclipse?

• yes

• no

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What type of solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only partially covers the Sun?

• Total Solar Eclipse

• Partial Solar Eclipse

• Annular Solar Eclipse

• Hybrid Solar Eclipse

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What is the term for the darkest part of the Moon's shadow during a solar eclipse?

• Penumbra

• Umbra

• Antumbra

• Corona

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What phenomenon causes the appearance of a 'diamond ring' during a solar eclipse?

• Baily's beads effect

• Penumbra effect

• Umbra effect

• Antumbra effect

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How often do total solar eclipses occur at any given place on Earth's surface?

• Once every 18 months

• Once every 1-2 years

• Once every 5-10 years

• Once every 100 years

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