The Moon

Lunar and SolarEclipses

Why dont we see an eclipse every time there is a full or new moon?The Moon-Earth orbit is tilted 5 degrees with respect to the Earth-Sun orbit.

Due to this, the Moon or Earths shadows will be cast above or below the object it is eclipsing.

Only twice in its orbit will these ecliptics align so that they are on the same plane and the possibility of an eclipse can occur, but the moon must be full or new!

Moon enters Earths shadow.Earth is always in the middle during a lunar eclipse.ORDER SUN EARTH then MOONA Lunar EclipseUMBRA: the darkest part of a shadow (middle of a tunnel)

PENUMBRA: the lighter part of a shadow (edge of a tunnel)

2015 September Total Lunar Eclipse N. America

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse 12/21/10

Total Lunar Eclipse: when the moon enters the Umbra.Partial Lunar Eclipse: when the moon enters the Penumbra.

A Lunar Eclipse

What are the conditions needed for visibility of a Lunar Eclipse?

A Lunar Eclipse

1. Night Side of Earth2. Full Moon3. Sun/Moon/Earth aligned on the same Plane

The moon often looks red: light waves bend.Lasts a few hours.Must be on the dark side of Earth to see it.Occurs every 6 months.A Lunar Eclipse

Light refracts and bends through Earths atmosphere (like a prism).

The red wavelength of light are projected onto the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Video Lunar Eclipse

Moon casts its shadow on Earth.The moon blocks the Sun!The moon is always in the middle.ORDER SUN MOON then EarthA Solar EclipseUMBRA: the darkest part of a shadow (middle of a tunnel)PENUMBRA: the lighter part of a shadow (edge of a tunnel)

A Solar Eclipse

Prominences Total Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse: when the moons umbra is cast on Earth.Partial Solar Eclipse: when the moons penumbra is cast on Earth.

A Solar Eclipse

A total solar Eclipse is only visible to those with in the Umbra. A 90 mile diameter

Anyone in the penumbra would experience a partial solar eclipse.A Solar Eclipse

2017 Total Solar Eclipse Interactive Map

What are the conditions needed for visibility of a Solar Eclipse?A Solar Eclipse

1. Day Side of Earth2. New Moon3. Sun/Moon/Earth aligned on the same Plane4. Be in the Umbra (90 mile diameter)

Solar Eclipse Video

The sun is 400 xs the size of the moonBUTThe moon is 400 Xs closer to Earth than the sunThis cancels out the size difference and is seen as the same size!!!

A Solar EclipseDuring a solar eclipse, the sun is blocked by the moon.How can the moon block such a large object like the sun?

Eclipses Crash Course