Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Front

What is an eclipse?

Back

The partial or total blocking of one object in space by another.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The darkest part of a shadow during an eclipse where the light source is completely blocked.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The lighter part of a shadow during an eclipse where the light source is partially blocked.

Front

When does a solar eclipse occur?

Back

During a new moon when the moon is directly between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is a total lunar eclipse?

Back

When the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to completely cover the Moon.

Front

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Back

When the moon does not completely cover the sun, resulting in only a portion of the sun being obscured.

Front

Why don't eclipses happen every month?

Back

The moon's orbit is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun, preventing alignment for an eclipse every month.

Front

What is the corona?

Back

The outer atmosphere of the Sun, visible during a total solar eclipse.

Front

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

Back

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon passes through Earth's umbra, while a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the moon enters the umbra.

Front

What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?

Back

A type of lunar eclipse where the moon passes through Earth's penumbra, causing a subtle shading on the moon.