solar + lunar eclipses Flashcards
what is a lunar eclipse
Lunar eclipses were believed by some to be caused by a mythological creature swallowing the moon.
Occur when the earth is positioned between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon passes through earth’s shadow, which is called the umbra.
During partial lunar eclipse, only part of the moon passes through earth’s shadow, called a penumbra.
Lunar eclipses can last up to an hour.
what is a solar eclipse
Solar eclipses were often associated with bad omens, such as disease epidemics, death of kings and wars.
As a result of the size and distance of the sun, the sun and the moon appear to be the same size.
A solar eclipse is when the moon is aligned between earth and the sun, and blocks the sun from being observed on earth.
Solar eclipses are only possible during a new moon phase and occur only every 2 years.
what is an eclipse
An eclipse is when the position of one CELESTIAL OBJECT blocks or darkens the view of another CELESTIAL OBJECT from earth.
