Understanding Solar Eclipses

What causes a solar eclipse?

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

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

• The sun moves behind the Earth, causing darkness.

• The sun and moon switch places in the sky.

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 much larger than previously thought.

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

• Because the moon reflects the light of the sun.

Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month?

• Because the moon is not always full.

• Because the Earth's orbit changes.

• Because the moon's orbit is usually tilted a few degrees north or south in relation to the Earth.

• Because the sun moves too quickly.

What are the two types of shadows cast on Earth during a solar eclipse?

• The umbra and the penumbra.

• The penumbra and the antumbra.

• The umbra and the antumbra.

• The penumbra and the sigma.

Which type of solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears too small to fully cover the sun?

• Hybrid eclipse

• Partial eclipse

• Total eclipse

• Annular eclipse

What is the path of totality?

• The orbit of Earth around the sun.

• The path the moon takes around the Earth.

• The imaginary line created by the umbral shadow as it races across Earth.

• The trajectory of the sun during an eclipse.

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

• About once every 10 years.

• About once every 400 years.

• Every year.

• About once every 100 years.

What is estimated to happen in about a billion years concerning solar eclipses?

• The sun will be too far away to be seen from Earth.

• The moon will be too far away from Earth to completely cover the sun.

• The Earth will no longer orbit the sun.

• Solar eclipses will happen every day.