Lunar and Solar Eclipses and Tides

The Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s light, and causing the moon to glow red.

Lunar Eclipse

An eclipse occurs any time something passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light.  This can be the Earth or the Moon.

Eclipse

The dark inner portion of the shadow cone.

Umbra

The lighter outer portion of the shadow

Penumbra

Why is there not many Lunar Eclipses?

The moons orbit is tilted.

But you have to be at the exact spot on Earth to see a

Solar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipses happen more often than Solar Eclipses

Well everyone who is experiencing nighttime during a lunar eclipse can see it.

The difference in height between the high tide and the low tide is called the…

Tidal Range

Low Tide

…. tide occurs when the lowest part of the wave, or its trough reaches the coast.

High Tide

When the highest part of the tide (crest) reaches the coast, …. tide occurs. 

What causes Tides?

1. Tides are caused by the gravitational relationship between the Earth, Sun, and the Moon.

2. The Sun and Moon have a gravitational pull on the Earth, which causes the ocean to “bulge” depending on the location of the Sun and Moon.

3. The Moon revolves around the Earth over the month, so “bulges” become bigger or smaller.

How does the Sun cause extreme tides?

The tides are bigger when the sun is lined up with the moon and the earth.

How does the Sun cause lower tides?

The tides are smaller when the sun is not lined up with the moon and earth.