Eclipses

Eclipses Both the moon and the earth cast a shadow as the light of the sun falls on them. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes into the earth's shadow in space.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun during the day and blocks its light to the earth. If the moon only partly covers the sun, it is a partial eclipse. In order to fully see a solar eclipse, your have to be in the right place at the right time. The part of the earth where you can see the full solar eclipse is called the path of totality. The path of totality is usually only about 75-100 miles wide because the moon is very small compared to the size of the sun. Only people in the path of totality actually see the full eclipse; everyone else sees a partial eclipse. A total eclipse of the sun is only visible from any given spot on earth every 360 years.

From ancient times, eclipses have elicited feelings of fascination and fear from observers. Ancient peoples often thought that eclipses were signs from angry gods or portents of impending doom. Eclipses ARE fascinating and often unforgettable. Today there are people who are ardent eclipse followers. They track current lunar and solar eclipses and travel to those places on the globe where the eclipses can best be observed. You, too, can be an eclipse follower--in virtual form. Sample these internet resources to find out more.

Solar Eclipses for Beginners
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/SEprimer.html

What causes a solar eclipse?
About how long does a solar eclipse last?
What is the Path of Totality?
What can you see from the earth during a solar eclipse?

Lunar Eclipses for Beginners
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html

It is NOT okay to look at a solar eclipse. Is it okay to look at a lunar eclipse?
How often do lunar eclipses happen?

Lunar Eclipse
http://hou.lbl.gov:80/ISE/new/moon/eclipse1.html

Explain what happens during a lunar eclipse.

EarthView
http://www.earthview.com/tutorial/causes.htm

About how long can a lunar eclipse last?
In a solar eclipse, what is the umbra?
In a solar eclipse, what is the corona?
In a solar eclipse, what is the penumbra?
What are the 3 kinds of solar eclipses?

Images From the Caribbean
http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/links_webcasts.html

Staff from the Exploratorium travelled to the Caribbean in February 1998 to observe a total eclipse of the sun. Look at their images. How long did the totality last? You can also see a RealVideo clip of the time surrounding the totality as well as a QuickTime clip of how the eclipse looked from outer space.
Be sure to investigate the other, more recent webcasts of elipses around the world.

Where was the last total solar eclipse? Where would you have needed to be to observe it in its totality?
When is the next total eclipse of the sun and where would you need to be to observe it in its totality?

Interesting Future Eclipses
http://www.earthview.com/timetable/future.htm

If your dream vacation was to see the Great Wall of China AND see a total eclipse of the sun, what would be a good day and year to be in China?

Ten Year Eclipse Preview
http://www.earthview.com/timetable/tenyear.htm

For the year 2000, list the types of eclipses that will occur and where they can best be viewed.

Eclipse Home Page
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/eclipse.html

What unusual thing can you do on Christmas Day 2000?

Eye Safety During Solar Eclipses
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEhelp/safety.html

During a solar eclipse, the moon is partially or totally covering the sun--so is it okay to look directly at the eclipse? Why or why not?

Building and Using a Pinhole Projector
http://www.earthview.com/observation/pinhole.htm

Check out this diagram for making an easy eclipse observer.

Teacher Resources

Exploratorium - These are 4 printable pdf files : "How To View An Eclipse", "Why Do Eclipses Happen?", "Where Do You See an Eclipse? ", and "What to See During an Eclipse".

Author: LINDA MOSBACKER - Email linda.mosbacker@slc.k12.ut.us