U2 Ch5 - Quizs - Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Why are eclipses used as evidence for the different orbital planes of Earth and the Moon?

• If they were on the same plane, solar and lunar eclipses would happen every month.

• Their different planes mean the Sun’s light changes colors during an eclipse.

• It means the positions of the planets are highly unpredictable.

• Eclipses happen at different times around Earth each year.

Why are total solar eclipses more valuable for scientific observation than partial eclipses?

• Total solar eclipses provide a unique opportunity to observe the Sun’s corona and other faint structures in the Sun’s atmosphere, not visible during partial eclipses.

• Partial eclipses are just as valuable as total eclipses for scientific observation because they occur more frequently and cover a wider geographical area.

• Total solar eclipses and partial solar eclipses offer the same scientific value since both block a portion of the Sun, allowing the corona to be studied.

• Scientists have no interest in observing eclipses.

What part of the shadow do you need to be in to see a total solar eclipse?

• The umbra

• The penumbra

• The antumbra

• The photosphere

How are lunar eclipses explained through Earth’s shadow?

• Earth’s shadow covers the Moon, hence a lunar eclipse.

• The Moon causes the Earth’s shadow.

• The Sun blocks the Earth’s light.

• None of the explanations are correct.

Why does a total solar eclipse only last a few minutes at any location?

• Earth and the Moon are moving rapidly in their orbits.

• The Sun’s light returns quickly after being blocked.

• The Earth cannot cover the Sun for longer than a few minutes.

• Total eclipses are always brief due to the planets’ positions.

When can a solar eclipse occur?

• During a new Moon

• During a full Moon

• During a quarter Moon

• At any time

Why don’t solar and lunar eclipses occur every month?

• The Moon’s orbit is tilted at 5 degrees to Earth’s orbital plane.

• Eclipses can only occur during specific hours of the day.

• There are disturbances in the solar wind at frequent intervals.

• Past alignments have permanently altered eclipse cycles.

How would you evaluate the unique positioning of the Moon and Earth during a solar eclipse?

• The Moon is between the Sun and Earth.

• The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

• The Sun is between Earth and the Moon.

• The Earth and the Sun are on either side of the Moon.

What alignment is necessary for a total lunar eclipse to occur?

• Earth, Sun, and Moon aligned with Earth in between the Sun and Moon

• Sun, Moon, and Earth aligned with Moon in between the Sun and Earth

• Sun, Earth, and Moon aligned horizontally

• Moon completely blocking Earth’s view of the Sun

How do ancient myths and scientific understanding of solar eclipses differ? Explain your choice with examples.

• Ancient myths often attributed solar eclipses to supernatural causes, such as dragons eating the Sun, while scientific understanding sees them as natural astronomical events caused by the Moon blocking the Sun.

• Ancient people understood solar eclipses as scientific events and used advanced technology to predict them, similar to modern methods.

• Both ancient myths and modern science view solar eclipses as warning signs for major upcoming natural disasters, leading to widespread preparation.

• Ancient people figured out how to prevent eclipses by beating drums loudly.