Lunar and Solar Eclipse Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is an eclipse?

A lunar event only

A phenomenon where the Earth blocks the Sun

A period when light from an object cannot be seen (correct)

A total blocking of the Moon by the Earth

What is the moon phase for a solar eclipse?

New moon

What is the moon phase for a lunar eclipse?

Full moon

What causes a total lunar eclipse to occur?

When the moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra Signup and view all the answers

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

Earth moves between the Sun and Moon but the three celestial bodies do not form a straight line in space. Signup and view all the answers

What causes a total solar eclipse to occur?

When the moon gets between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over Earth during the new moon phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a partial solar eclipse?

The Moon, Earth, and Sun don't align perfectly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an annular solar eclipse?

When the Moon covers the Sun's center, leaving the Sun's outer edges visible. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two parts of a shadow?

Penumbra and umbra Signup and view all the answers

What causes the red color during a lunar eclipse?

The Earth's shadow cuts off the Moon's light, causing it to take on a reddish glow. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't we see a lunar eclipse every time there is a full moon?

The Earth's orbit is not in the same plane as the Moon's orbit around the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't we see a solar eclipse every time there is a new moon?

The Moon's orbit is not in the same plane as the Earth's orbit around the Sun. Signup and view all the answers

Is the umbra larger during a lunar and solar eclipse?

No, it requires the Moon to enter the Earth's umbra for eclipses to occur. Signup and view all the answers

Which eclipse lasts longer?

A lunar eclipse would last longer. Signup and view all the answers

Are more people able to see a solar or a lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses are more widely visible. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many lunar and solar eclipses occur each year?

A minimum of four eclipses - two solar and two lunar. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eclipse Overview

An eclipse occurs when the light from one celestial object is blocked by another celestial object.

Types of Moon Phases

A solar eclipse occurs during the New Moon phase.
A lunar eclipse occurs during the Full Moon phase.

Lunar Eclipses

Total Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the moon passes directly behind Earth into its umbra (the darkest part of its shadow).
Partial Lunar Eclipse: Results from the Earth moving between the Sun and Moon without a perfect alignment, where only part of the Moon's surface is covered by Earth's umbra.
A reddish glow appears on the Moon during a total lunar eclipse due to light scattering through Earth's atmosphere.

Solar Eclipses

Total Solar Eclipse: Happens when the Moon entirely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth, occurring only during a New Moon phase.
Partial Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon, Earth, and Sun do not align perfectly, resulting in only a portion of the Sun being obscured.
Annular Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon covers the Sun's center, creating a "ring of fire" effect due to the Moon's smaller apparent size.

Shadow Components

Shadows have two parts: Umbra (the dark inner shadow) and Penumbra (the faint outer shadow).
Total solar eclipses are visible only within the umbral shadow, while partial solar eclipses can be seen within the penumbral shadow.

Frequency of Eclipses

Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon moves into Earth's shadow, while solar eclipses happen when the Moon's shadow falls on Earth.
Both types of eclipses do not occur every month due to the different orbital planes of Earth and the Moon.
At least four eclipses (two solar and two lunar) occur each year, but some years can have up to seven eclipses.

Visibility and Duration

Lunar eclipses can be seen by more people since Earth's shadow on the Moon is larger than the Moon's shadow on Earth during solar eclipses.
Lunar eclipses last longer than solar eclipses due to the extent of Earth's shadow compared to that of the Moon.

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Description

Test your knowledge of lunar and solar eclipses with these informative flashcards. Each card provides key definitions and concepts related to eclipses, including moon phases and their causes. Perfect for students and astronomy enthusiasts alike!