Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun's light.

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the moon.

Front

What is the path of totality?

Back

The path of totality is the area on Earth where a total solar eclipse can be observed.

Front

What causes the moon to appear reddish during a total lunar eclipse?

Back

The moon appears reddish during a total lunar eclipse due to the scattering of sunlight through the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the corona?

Back

The corona is the outer atmosphere of the sun, visible during a total solar eclipse.

Front

How does the distance of the moon from Earth affect solar eclipses?

Back

As the moon is slowly drifting away from Earth, it may not fully cover the sun during future solar eclipses.

Front

Who studies celestial bodies and phenomena?

Back

Scientists who study celestial bodies and phenomena are called astronomers.

Front

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

Back

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, while a partial solar eclipse occurs when only part of the sun is obscured.

Front

What is the significance of the umbra and penumbra in an eclipse?

Back

The umbra is the darkest part of the shadow where a total eclipse occurs, while the penumbra is the lighter part where a partial eclipse occurs.

Front

What role does the Earth's atmosphere play during a lunar eclipse?

Back

The Earth's atmosphere refracts and scatters sunlight, which can cause the moon to appear red during a lunar eclipse.