Understanding Solar Eclipses

What causes a solar eclipse?

• The sun moves between the Earth and the moon, illuminating the moon.

• The sun moves behind the Earth, casting Earth's shadow on the moon.

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

• The moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's rays.

Why do the sun and the moon appear the same size in our sky?

• Because the sun is 400 times wider than the moon and also 400 times farther away.

• Because the moon is 400 times wider than the sun.

• Because the sun is much closer to the Earth than the moon.

• Because the moon is much larger than previously believed.

Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month?

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

• Because the sun's position in the sky changes unpredictably.

• Because the moon is moving away from the Earth.

• Because the Earth's orbit around the sun is not perfectly circular.

What is the umbra?

• The outer part of the sun's atmosphere visible during an eclipse.

• The smaller, darker shadow cast by the moon on the Earth during an eclipse.

• The path of totality during a total solar eclipse.

• The larger, lighter shadow cast by the moon on the Earth during an eclipse.

What is a total solar eclipse?

• When the moon completely covers the sun's surface.

• When the moon appears too small to fully cover the sun.

• When the moon passes in front of the sun off-center, never fully covering its surface.

• When the moon's position results in both a total and an annular eclipse along its path.

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the moon passes directly in front of the sun but appears too small to fully cover it.

• When the moon is at its closest point to Earth and fully covers the sun.

• When the moon completely covers the sun's surface.

• When the moon's shadow on Earth is entirely within the penumbra.

How often does a total solar eclipse occur on Earth?

• Every decade

• Every century

• Every year or two

• Every month

What safety measure is recommended for viewing a solar eclipse?

• Closing one's eyes at the moment of totality.

• Using certified eclipse-watching glasses.

• Looking at the eclipse through a glass of water.

• Viewing the eclipse through a telescope without any filter.

What phenomenon signals that totality is seconds away during a solar eclipse?

• The formation of Baily's beads.

• The appearance of the corona.

• The complete disappearance of the sun.

• The visibility of the Diamond Ring.

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

• Because the moon is moving away from the Earth.

• Because of increasing light pollution.

• Because the Earth's orbit is changing.

• Because the sun is slowly expanding.