Understanding Solar Eclipses

During a school science fair, Elieth demonstrates what causes a solar eclipse. What is the correct explanation?

• The Earth moves between the moon and the sun.

• The moon moves between the Earth and the sun.

• The sun moves behind the Earth.

• The sun moves behind the moon.

Why do the sun and the moon appear the same size in our sky?

• Because the sun is closer to the Earth than the moon.

• Because the moon is as large as the sun.

• Because the sun is 400 times wider but also 400 times farther away than the moon.

• Because the moon is 400 times closer to the Earth than the sun.

Why isn't there an eclipse every month?

• Because the sun moves too fast.

• Because the Earth's orbit is tilted.

• Because the moon's orbit is tilted.

• Because the moon is too far away.

During Petersen's school science fair, James demonstrates a model of a lunar eclipse. What is the umbra in this context?

• A planet.

• A type of solar eclipse.

• The smaller, darker shadow cast by the moon.

• The larger, lighter shadow cast by the moon.

What is a total eclipse?

• When the moon appears too small to cover the sun.

• When the moon partially covers the sun's surface.

• When the moon completely covers the sun's surface.

• When the Earth covers the sun.

What is an annular eclipse?

• When the moon completely covers the sun.

• When the Earth blocks the sun.

• When the moon is too far to fully cover the sun.

• When the moon is too close to the Earth.

How can you safely watch a solar eclipse?

• With regular sunglasses.

• With a smartphone camera.

• With certified eclipse-watching glasses.

• With a telescope.

What happens to animals in the zoo during a total solar eclipse?

• They alter their behavior.

• They start to glow.

• They fall asleep.

• They become louder.