3D Eclipse Gizmos Quiz

Fill in the blank: During a ______ eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.

• Solar

• Lunar

• Penumbral

• Total

Answer explanation

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. In contrast, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the shape of the Earth's orbit around the Sun?

• Circular

• Elliptical

• Square

• Triangular

Answer explanation

The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle; it is elliptical. This means it has a slightly elongated shape, which is why the distance from the Sun varies throughout the year.

Which of the following is true about the Earth's rotation?

• It rotates clockwise

• It rotates counterclockwise

• It does not rotate

• It rotates in a random direction.

Answer explanation

The Earth rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above the North Pole. This means it spins from west to east, which is why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Fill in the blank: The ______ is the area where a total eclipse is visible.

• Penumbra

• Umbra

• Path of totality

• Eclipse

Answer explanation

The 'path of totality' is the specific area on Earth where a total solar eclipse can be observed. In this region, the moon completely covers the sun, unlike the penumbra, where only a partial eclipse is visible.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the path called that the Moon’s umbra traces across Earth’s surface?

• Path of light

• Path of totality

• Path of shadow

• Path of eclipse

Answer explanation

The path that the Moon’s umbra traces across Earth’s surface during a total solar eclipse is called the 'Path of totality'. This is where observers can see the complete coverage of the Sun by the Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How often do solar eclipses occur each year?

• 1-2 times

• 2-4 times

• 5-6 times

• 7-8 times

Answer explanation

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. On average, there are 2 to 4 solar eclipses each year, making '2-4 times' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the effect of the Moon's shadow on Earth during a solar eclipse?

• It creates a lunar eclipse

• It creates a solar eclipse

• It creates a new moon

• It creates a full moon.

Answer explanation

During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth. This phenomenon is what creates a solar eclipse, making the correct answer "It creates a solar eclipse."

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens to the path of totality when the Moon angle is set to 5.1°?

• It moves north

• It moves south

• It stays the same

• It disappears

Answer explanation

When the Moon angle is set to 5.1°, the path of totality shifts southward. This is due to the geometry of the Earth-Moon system, where changes in the Moon's angle affect the alignment of the shadow on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

With a greater Moon angle, solar eclipses are ______ in duration.

• longer

• shorter

• the same

Answer explanation

With a greater Moon angle, the distance between the Earth and the Moon increases, causing the shadow to move faster across the Earth. This results in solar eclipses being shorter in duration.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

With a lower Moon angle, solar eclipses occur ______.

• every month

• every year

• every decade

Answer explanation

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. With a lower Moon angle, this alignment can happen every month during the new moon phase, making 'every month' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1