Eclipses Check-a-roo

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon, which is why the statement is correct.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A lunar eclipse only occurs during a new moon phase.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, which happens during a full moon, not a new moon. Therefore, the statement is false.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The longest a total solar eclipse lasts is about how long?

• 1 minute

• 7 minutes

• 30 minutes

• an hour

Answer explanation

The longest duration of a total solar eclipse is about 7 minutes. This occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, allowing for a brief period of totality, which can last up to this maximum time.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why don’t solar eclipses occur every new moon?

• The Moon's orbit around Earth and Earth's orbit around the Sun are not the same speed, so the three bodies only line up during the full moon.

• The Moon’s orbit around Earth and Earth’s orbit around the Sun are not in the same plane, so the three bodies only line up occasionally.

• The Moon’s orbit around the Sun and Earth’s orbit around the Sun are not in the same plane, so the three bodies only line up occasionally.

• The Moon’s orbit around Earth and the Sun’s orbit around Earth are not in the same plane, so the three bodies only line up occasionally.

Answer explanation

Solar eclipses don't occur every new moon because the Moon's orbit around Earth and Earth's orbit around the Sun are not in the same plane. This misalignment means the three bodies only line up occasionally.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and ________________ line up perfectly.

• Earth

• Mars

• Venus

• Jupiter

Answer explanation

Eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth align perfectly. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun's light from reaching Earth, while during a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A lunar eclipse occurs when:

• the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon

• the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth

• the Sun comes between the Earth and the Moon

• the Moon is closest to the Earth

Answer explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. This is why the correct answer is that the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Lunar eclipses occur less often than full moons because the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be perfectly aligned for a lunar eclipse to happen. Which of the following best explains why lunar eclipses are less frequent than full moons?

• The Sun, Earth, and Moon must be perfectly aligned for a lunar eclipse to occur.

• Lunar eclipses only happen during a new moon.

• Full moons only occur once a year.

• The Moon is always in Earth's shadow.

Answer explanation

Lunar eclipses are less frequent than full moons because the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be perfectly aligned for a lunar eclipse to occur, which is a specific condition not required for full moons.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When the shadow of the Moon appears on Earth's surface a _____ ______ is occurring.

• Solar Eclipse

• New Moon

• Lunar Eclipse

• Astral Eclipse

Answer explanation

When the shadow of the Moon falls on Earth, it blocks sunlight, resulting in a Solar Eclipse. This phenomenon occurs during a New Moon when the Moon is directly between the Earth and the Sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which phase of the Moon is necessary for a solar eclipse to occur?

• Last Quarter

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun, which happens during the New Moon phase. Therefore, the correct answer is New Moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the name of the darkest part of the shadow during an eclipse?

• Corona

• Antumbra

• Penumbra

• Umbra

Answer explanation

The umbra is the darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse, where the light source is completely blocked. In contrast, the penumbra is the lighter outer part, and the corona refers to the outer atmosphere of the sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1