Eclipses & the Moon Flashcards
1
Q
What is a lunar eclipse?
A
When the moon passes through earth’s shadow.
2
Q
What is a partial lunar eclipse?
A
When the moon isn’t fully in the earth’s shadow so some of it can still be seen.
3
Q
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A
When the whole moon is in the earth’s shadow and no sunlight can reach the moon so it seems to disappear.
4
Q
What is a solar eclipse?
A
When the moon passes between sun and earth prevents light from reaching part of the earth.
5
Q
What is a total solar eclipse?
A
From some parts on earth there is no sunlight
6
Q
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A
From earth only part of the sun’s light is blocked
7
Q
Why do eclipses rarely happen?
A
- The moon orbits the earth at an angle so the sun, moon and earth rarely align.
- Even when there is a solar eclipse only a small region of earth will be able to see it.
