Shadows and solar and lunar eclipse! Flashcards
What is an opaque object?
An opaque object is an object that will not allow light to pass through it.
When is a shadow formed?
When an opaque object passes in front of a source of light, a shadow will form.
What does light travel in?
Light travels in straight lines called rays.
When does a solar eclipse happen?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth.
Explain what the moon is and what happens in a solar eclipse
The moon is made from rock, so it is an opaque object, and it blocks the rays of light coming from the sun. The shadow of the moon forms on the Earth.
Where is a total solar eclipse visible?
In the middle of the shadow, all the light rays from the sun are blocked and people observe a total solar eclipse.
Where is a partial solar eclipse visible?
Away from the middle of the shadow, some of the light rays from the sun can reach the Earth and people observe a partial solar eclipse
What must you never do to the sun?
You must never look directly at the sun, even when there is an eclipse as the light from the sun is very bright and can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
When does a lunar eclipse happen?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon.
Explain what the earth is and what happens in a lunar eclipse
The Earth is an opaque object, and it blocks the rays of light coming from the sun. The shadow of the earth forms on the moon.
When can eclipses happen?
It is only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in the same straight line that eclipses can happen.
Why do solar and lunar eclipses not happen every month?
Solar and lunar eclipses do not happen every month as even though the Moon takes 27 days to orbit the earth, the orbit of the Moon is slightly tilted. The orbit of the moon is not exactly in the same plane as the orbit of Earth around the sun.
