Total Eclipse

What needs to happen for a total solar eclipse to occur? Select all that apply.

• The Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.

• The Moon phase has to be a new moon.

• The Moon is closer than average to Earth in its elliptical orbit.

• It is during the eclipse season.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When is it appropriate to remove your solar eclipse glasses during a total solar eclipse?

• Anytime. It is always safe to look directly at an eclipse.

• Never. It is never safe to look directly at an eclipse.

• Only during totality, when the Sun is 100% blocked by the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following statements align with NASA’s key messages for the 2024 total solar eclipse? Select ALL that apply!

• Safely viewing the eclipse is not possible, even with proper equipment.

• The eclipse is a great opportunity for the public to engage in NASA science.

• The eclipse is a wonderful chance to see who is good at following directions.

• NASA missions are studying the eclipse to understand the Sun-Earth relationship.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What percent obscuration (how much of the Sun is blocked by the Moon) is considered totality?

• 99%

• 50%

• 100%

• 0%

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Mrs. Lusky is planning a special outdoor science lesson for her class to observe a total solar eclipse. She wants to ensure it's a rare event. How often do total solar eclipses occur?

• Once every month

• Once every year

• Every 18 months on average

• Every 10 years

Answer explanation

Total solar eclipses occur every 18 months on average, making them a relatively rare event for observation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What must happen for a total solar eclipse to occur?

• The Moon must be at its furthest point from Earth.

• The Moon must be between the Sun and Earth, completely covering the Sun.

• The Earth must be between the Sun and the Moon.

• The Sun must be at its closest point to the Earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why is it rare for Mrs. Lanigan's house to experience a total solar eclipse again?

• Because the Earth is flat

• Because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is tilted

• Because the Earth rotates too quickly

• Because solar eclipses only happen at night

Answer explanation

The Moon's orbit around the Earth is tilted, causing rare occurrences of total solar eclipses at Mrs. Lanigan's house.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the main difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse?

• A total solar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on Earth, but a partial solar eclipse cannot.

• A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun, while a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun.

• A total solar eclipse lasts longer than a partial solar eclipse.

• A partial solar eclipse happens more frequently than a total solar eclipse.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a school science fair, Mrs. Carnicom demonstrates what causes a solar eclipse. What is she likely to explain?

• The Earth's shadow falling on the Moon

• The Moon's shadow falling on the Earth

• The Sun moving behind the Moon

• The Moon moving behind the Earth

Answer explanation

Mrs. Carnicom is likely to explain that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow falls on the Earth, causing the temporary blocking of the Sun's light.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the correct order of phases during a solar eclipse?

• Partial eclipse, total eclipse, penumbral eclipse

• Total eclipse, partial eclipse, penumbral eclipse

• Penumbral eclipse, partial eclipse, total eclipse

• Partial eclipse, penumbral eclipse, total eclipse

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1