Solar Eclipse Quiz

What happens during a solar eclipse?

• The moon moves between the Earth and the sun.

• The Earth moves between the moon and the sun.

• The sun moves between the Earth and the moon.

• The Earth moves out of the solar system.

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

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

• Because the moon is as large as the sun.

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

• Because the moon is brighter than the sun.

Why isn't there an eclipse every month?

• Because the sun moves too fast.

• Because the moon's orbit is tilted.

• Because the moon disappears.

• Because the Earth is flat.

What is the umbra?

• A type of eclipse.

• The larger shadow during an eclipse.

• The smaller, darker shadow during an eclipse.

• A planet.

What can you see if you're standing within the umbral shadow?

• A partial eclipse.

• No eclipse.

• An annular eclipse.

• A total eclipse.

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the Earth covers the sun.

• When the moon completely covers the sun.

• When the moon is closest to the Earth.

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

What is a hybrid eclipse?

• An eclipse that changes from annular to total along its path.

• An eclipse that happens twice a month.

• An eclipse that can be seen from anywhere on Earth.

• A total eclipse that happens at night.

How often does a total solar eclipse happen somewhere on Earth?

• Every 100 years.

• Every 10 years.

• Every year or two.

• Every month.

What is the safest way to watch an eclipse?

• With certified eclipse-watching glasses.

• With a telescope.

• With regular sunglasses.

• With the naked eye.

What happens to the moon's distance from Earth over time?

• It stays the same.

• It doubles every year.

• It moves away by about one and a half inches per year.

• It gets closer by about one and a half inches per year.