TED-Ed: Understanding Solar Eclipses

What significant event occurred on August 21, 2017?

• A total solar eclipse

• A partial solar eclipse

• The discovery of a new planet

• A lunar eclipse

What did the early Mesopotamians believe about solar eclipses?

• They were a time of celebration

• They signified the Sun was put to shame

• They had no significant meaning

• They were a sign of impending doom

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What did ancient civilizations often associate solar eclipses with?

• Changes in the weather

• Predictions of future events

• The anger of the gods

• Good luck

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What makes a total solar eclipse possible?

• The Sun moving between the Earth and the Moon

• The Moon and Sun appearing almost the same size from Earth

• The Sun being closer to Earth than the Moon

• The Moon being larger than the Sun

How often does the Moon orbit the Earth?

• Every 45 days

• Every 15 days

• Every 27.3 days

• Once a month

What is the Sun's corona?

• A ring around the Sun caused by the Moon's shadow

• The Sun's inner atmosphere

• A type of solar flare

• The outer atmosphere of the Sun, visible during a total solar eclipse

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the Moon completely covers the Sun

• When the Earth blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Moon

• When the Moon is too far to completely cover the Sun, creating a ring-like appearance

• When the Moon partially covers the Sun

Why are total solar eclipses rare?

• Because the Earth's orbit prevents it

• Because the Moon is moving away from Earth

• Because the Moon's orbit is perfectly circular

• Because the Sun rarely aligns with the Moon and Earth

What will eventually happen to total solar eclipses in the future?

• They will only occur at night

• They will become more frequent

• The Sun will become too large to be covered by the Moon

• The Moon will be too far to completely cover the Sun

Why is it dangerous to look directly at a solar eclipse?

• Because it can seriously damage your eyes

• Because the Sun's rays are more powerful during an eclipse

• Because the Moon's shadow can cause disorientation

• Because it can cause temporary blindness