Solar & LunarEclipses

• I can explain what causes a lunar eclipse.• I can make a diagram of what a lunar eclipse looks like.• I can persevere in order to understand a natural phenomenon – one that is happening this weekend!

What we will learn…

Orbit

Rotation

Lunar Eclipse

Key Terms

• Eclipses happen because the Earth, Sun and Moon occasionally line up so that there is a shadow created.

• This usually happens every year, but you must be in the right part of the Earth to be able to see it!

How often do eclipses happen?

• When the Moon’s shadow covers part of the Earth, there is a solar eclipse.

• A solar eclipse can only happen at a New Moon.

Solar Eclipse

• You will only see the solar eclipse if you are located in the part of the world where the umbra or penumbra falls.

• In the umbra area, you’ll see a full eclipse• In the penumbra area, you’ll see a partial eclipse

Why don’t we always see it?

It isn’t safe to STARE! (but here we can!)

The Moon’s shadow…

• When the moon moves into the shadow of the Earth, some or the entire moon appears dark.

• Since the Earth’s atmosphere filters some of the sun’s light before it reaches the surface, a lunar eclipse often appears red!

Lunar Eclipse

• You will only see the lunar eclipse if you are located in the part of the world where the umbra or penumbra falls.

• In the umbra area, you’ll see a full eclipse• In the penumbra area, you’ll see a partial eclipse

Why don’t we always see it?

Total Lunar Eclipse