Eclipses Flashcards
What are 3 types of solar eclipses?
Total - sun is completely covered by moon, in umbra
Partial - sun is partially covered by moon, in penumbra
Annulal - ring of sun can be seen around moon, when moon is in apogee
Define perigee
the point the moon is closest to earth
Define apogee
the point the earth is furthest from earth
What is the path of totality?
The track of the moon’s umbral shadow across earth
Why dont we see a solar or lunar eclipse each month?
At most points during the year, the moon is too low or too high in its revolution to make the angle necessary for an eclipse. It only occurs twice a year, when the moon is level enough with the sun and earth.
Define plane of the ecliptic
the apparent motion/ path of the sun
Define nodes
the point where the moon path crosses the sun (ecliptic) path
