Eclipses

Question 1

Definition: Umbra

Answer 1

Full Shadow

Question 2

Definition: Penumbra

Answer 2

Part Shadow

Question 3

Solar Eclipse

Answer 3

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is directly between the sun and Earth, and only happens at New Moon.

Question 4

Total Solar Eclipse

Answer 4

Observers are in the “umbra” shadow and see a total eclipse. The eclipse only lasts a few minutes.

Question 5

Annular Solar Eclipse

Answer 5

When the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, and the Sun appears as a donut around the Moon.

Question 6

Partial Solar Eclipse

Answer 6

An observer standing in the penumbra sees only a partial solar eclipse, where the moon only passes through part of the sun.

Question 7

Total lunar eclipse

Answer 7

When the entire Moon passes through the umbra of Earth’s shadow

Question 8

Partial lunar eclipse

Answer 8

When part of the Moon passes through the umbra of Earth’s shadow

Question 9

Penumbral lunar eclipse

Answer 9

When the Moon only passes through the penumbra of Earth’s shadow

Question 10

Lunar Eclipse

Answer 10

Lunar eclipses only occur when there is a full moon, and when the Moon’s
orbit means that the Earth is directly between the Sun and Moon.