ANSWER KEY Lesson 1-5 Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Lunar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow.

Shadow

An area of darkness formed when an object blocks light.

Total Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse in which the entire moon passes through the Earth's shadow.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse wherein only a portion of the moon enters the Earth's shadow.

Lunar Eclipse Timing

A lunar eclipse can take place only during the full moon phase.

Solar Eclipse

An astronomical event that occurs when the moon blocks the light from the sun.

Total Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse where the moon completely covers the sun.

Partial Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse in which only a part of the sun is obscured by the moon.

Eclipsed Moon Color

During a total lunar eclipse, the moon can appear dull red due to Earth's atmosphere bending some light.

Earth's Shadow

The shadow cast by the Earth that can cover the moon during a lunar eclipse.

Seasons and Eclipses

The position of the Earth and the moon affects which season can see total solar eclipses.

Eclipse Prediction

Scientists are able to predict when and where eclipses will occur.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse where the moon passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle shading.

Eclipse Season

A period during which eclipses can occur, determined by the alignment of the Earth, sun, and moon.

Saros Cycle

An eclipse cycle of approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours, after which similar eclipses will occur.

Umbral Shadow

The darkest part of the Earth's shadow where a total eclipse can take place.

Hybrid Solar Eclipse

An eclipse that shifts between total and annular as the moon's shadow moves across the Earth.

Tidal Forces

The gravitational effects of the moon and the sun on the Earth that influence the occurrence of eclipses.

Eclipse Visibility

The extent to which an eclipse can be seen from a specific location on Earth.

Annular Solar Eclipse

An eclipse where the moon covers the center of the sun, leaving a ring-like appearance.

Eclipse Shadow Types

The three types of shadows in an eclipse are umbral, penumbral, and antumbral.

Antumbral Shadow

The area behind the moon where no sunlight reaches, used in describing certain types of solar eclipses.

Telescope Use in Eclipses

Telescopes can enhance the viewing of solar and lunar eclipses, providing detailed observations.

Eclipse Duration

The time from the start to the end of the eclipse event, which varies based on the type of eclipse.

Eclipse Geometry

The spatial arrangement of the Earth, moon, and sun that determines the type of eclipse.

Eclipse Myths

Various cultural myths and beliefs that arise around the phenomenon of eclipses.

Eclipse Safety

Precautions to take when viewing a solar eclipse to protect the eyes from damage.

Lunar Eclipse Frequency

Lunar eclipses happen roughly 2 to 4 times per year.

Solar Eclipse Frequency

Solar eclipses occur 2 to 5 times annually, but total solar eclipses are less common.