Eclipses

Name: _________________________________       Date: _____________

Eclipses have awed and fascinated humans for as long as they have walked on Earth. What causes eclipses? What's the difference between a lunar and a solar eclipse? You'll find out in this Planet Diary activity.

1. First, explore lunar eclipses. Sketch the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon during a lunar eclipse.
2. What phase must the Moon be in for a lunar eclipse? Explain why.
3. What is the outer (penumbral) shadow?
4. What is the inner (umbral) shadow?
5. Next, find out about solar eclipses. Sketch the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon during a solar eclipse.
6. What phase must the Moon be in for a solar eclipse? Explain why.
7. What's the difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse?
8. Why are total solar eclipses so rare?