Understanding Solar Eclipses

What causes a solar eclipse?

• The sun and moon switch places in the sky.

• The sun moves behind the Earth, causing darkness.

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

• 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 much closer to the Earth than the moon.

• Because the moon is 400 times closer to the Earth than the sun.

• Because the moon is much larger than previously thought.

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

Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month?

• Because the moon is not always full.

• Because the sun moves too quickly.

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

• Because the Earth's orbit changes.

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

• Primary and Secondary

• Lunar and Solar

• Dark and Light

• Umbra and Penumbra

What is a total solar eclipse?

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

• When the moon and sun appear side by side.

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

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

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the moon completely covers the sun.

• When the moon's shadow misses the Earth entirely.

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

• When the moon and sun are at their closest points.

What is the path of totality?

• The trajectory of the sun's rays.

• The orbit of the Earth around the sun.

• The path the moon takes around the Earth.

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

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

• Every century

• Every month

• Every year or two

• Every decade

What is the safest way to view a solar eclipse?

• With the naked eye

• Using certified eclipse-watching glasses

• Via a camera lens

• Through a telescope

Why won't we always be able to see total solar eclipses?

• Because the Earth is moving away from the sun.

• Because the moon is moving about one and a half inches away from Earth each year.

• Because the sun is getting smaller.

• Because solar eclipses will stop happening.