SCOPE QUIZ - When Dragons Swallowed the Sun

Which idea is supported by the absence of modern technology and scientific knowledge in ancient times?

• Looking at the sun during an eclipse can harm your eyes.

• A total solar eclipse is what was happening that day in ancient China.

• Back then, people didn’t possess the scientific knowledge to understand why the sun had disappeared.

• It will be visible in an area extending from Texas to Maine and could last up to four minutes.

What is the central idea of the section 'Blocking the Sun’s Light'?

• Earth orbits the sun at a high speed.

• The darkness in 2134 B.C. was caused by a solar eclipse, not a dragon.

• The moon orbits Earth.

• Eclipses can affect animal behavior.

Which of the following best explains the cause of a solar eclipse?

• Earth passes between the sun and the moon.

• The moon passes between Earth and the sun.

• The sun passes between Earth and the moon.

• Earth casts a shadow on the moon.

Which words describe people's feelings about solar eclipses today? Choose TWO.

• A. threatened, panicked

• B. curious, fascinated

• C. indifferent, unconcerned

• D. enthusiastic, full of anticipation

The statement that it will be 20 years before another total solar eclipse is visible from the U.S. suggests that solar eclipses ___________.

• A. are rare experiences

• B. are dangerous to observe

• C. are better understood today than they once were

• D. capture the attention of people young and old

The main purpose of the article is to ___________.

• compare and contrast the beliefs of various ancient civilizations

• illustrate the path the moon follows as it revolves around Earth

• describe the challenges when studying the sun’s corona

• describe how human understanding of solar eclipses has changed over time

Based on the information in the article, when a solar eclipse occurs, can everyone on Earth see it? (Support your answer with text evidence.)