Understanding Shadows and Eclipses

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to celestial shadows and eclipses.

Umbra

The darker, central part of a shadow where the light source is completely blocked.

Penumbra

The lighter, outer part of a shadow where some light reaches.

Lunar Eclipse

An eclipse that occurs when the Earth's shadow falls on the moon, causing the moon to appear darker.

Solar Eclipse

An eclipse that occurs when the moon blocks light from the sun, causing the sun to appear darkened.

Total Lunar Eclipse

Occurs when the entire moon is in the Earth's umbra, making it completely dark.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

Occurs when only a part of the moon enters the Earth's umbra, leaving a portion still bright.

Total Solar Eclipse

Occurs when the moon's umbra completely covers the sun, allowing observers in the path of the umbra to see a dark disk surrounded by the sun's corona.

Partial Solar Eclipse

Occurs when only part of the sun is obscured by the moon, visible from the penumbra.

Eclipse

An event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body.

Apparent Size

The size an object appears to be compared to other objects, influenced by distance.