Understanding Solar Eclipses

What causes a solar eclipse?

• The Earth moves between the sun and the moon.

• The moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight.

• The moon moves behind the Earth.

• The sun moves behind the Earth.

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

• Because the moon is much larger than the sun.

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

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

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

Why isn't there an eclipse every month?

• Because the Earth's orbit is elliptical.

• Because the sun moves too quickly.

• Because the moon is too far from the Earth.

• Because the moon's orbit is tilted.

What is the umbra?

• The smaller, darker shadow during an eclipse.

• The path of totality.

• The larger, lighter shadow during an eclipse.

• The outer part of the sun's atmosphere.

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's position allows for both total and annular eclipses.

• When the moon partially covers the sun.

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the moon completely covers the sun.

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

• When the moon partially covers the sun.

• When the moon and sun are the same size.

How can you safely watch a solar eclipse?

• With regular sunglasses.

• Using certified eclipse-watching glasses.

• With a telescope.

• With the naked eye.

What phenomenon signals you're seconds away from totality?

• The formation of Baily's beads.

• The appearance of the corona.

• The Diamond Ring effect.

• The appearance of sunspots.

What happens to animals during a total solar eclipse?

• They become more active.

• They display their usual daytime behavior.

• They alter their behavior, thinking it's night.

• They continue as if nothing has changed.

Why will we eventually not be able to see total solar eclipses?

• Because the sun is getting smaller.

• Because the moon is moving away from the Earth.

• Because the Earth's orbit is changing.

• Because the sun is moving away from the Earth.