Total Solar Eclipse Knowledge Assessment

A total solar eclipse will occur on April 8th, sweeping across North America. The eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun, creating a path of totality where the sky turns dark. While the Bay Area will only see a partial eclipse, many North American cities will experience totality. The eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, make landfall in Mexico, and pass through Texas, the Midwest, and up to Canada. Viewers should use proper safety equipment to watch the eclipse, and the Exploratorium will live stream the event.

What should you never do during a solar eclipse?

• Use a telescope without a filter

• Look directly at the sun

• Stand outside

• Watch it through a window

What happens to the sun during a total solar eclipse?

• It becomes brighter

• It changes color

• It moves closer to the Earth

• It is completely blocked by the moon

Why do the sun and moon appear to be the same size during a solar eclipse?

• The sun is 400 times bigger but also 400 times farther away

• The moon is much larger than the sun

• The moon is 400 times smaller but also 400 times closer

• The sun is much closer to the Earth

How often do total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth?

• Once every 100 years

• Once every 10 years

• Once a year

• Once a month

What makes the upcoming eclipse significant for North America?

• It will be the longest eclipse in history

• It will be visible from every continent

• Many North American cities will experience totality

• It will last for an entire day

Where will the eclipse make its first landfall?

• California

• Texas

• West Coast of Mexico

• Florida

What can you do in San Antonio to see the total eclipse?

• Fly to another state

• Drive 15 minutes northwest

• Stay in the city center

• Go to the beach

Which city could have some of the clearest weather to watch the eclipse?

• Little Rock

• San Antonio

• Dallas

• Austin

How long will Niagara Falls experience totality?

• 2 minutes

• 4 minutes

• 3 minutes and 2 seconds

• 30 seconds

What percentage of the eclipse will be visible in the Bay Area?

• 75%

• 100%

• 50%

• 35%