Eclipses are amazing events that happen in space when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up in special ways. Let’s learn about solar and lunar eclipses, how they happen, and the different kinds you might see.
An eclipse happens when one space object, like the Moon or Earth, moves into the shadow of another. There are two main types of eclipses: solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the sunlight from reaching us. This can only happen during a new moon. There are three types of solar eclipses:
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. This can only occur during a full moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses:
Eclipses don’t happen all the time because the paths of the Earth and the Moon are tilted. For an eclipse to occur, the Sun, Moon, and Earth must be in a straight line.
Eclipses are rare because the Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5 degrees compared to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. This means that most of the time, the Moon is either above or below the line between the Earth and the Sun, so no eclipse happens.
Eclipses are incredible events that show how the Sun, Moon, and Earth move together in space. Learning about solar and lunar eclipses helps us appreciate these amazing moments and the science behind them. Whether you see a total solar eclipse or a partial lunar eclipse, these events remind us of the beauty and wonder of the universe.
Create Your Own Eclipse Model: Use a flashlight, a small ball (like a ping pong ball), and a larger ball (like a basketball) to create a model of a solar and lunar eclipse. Shine the flashlight as the Sun, use the small ball as the Moon, and the larger ball as the Earth. Try to line them up to see how the shadows create eclipses. Can you make a total solar eclipse and a total lunar eclipse? What happens when you move the balls slightly out of alignment?
Shadow Observation Activity: On a sunny day, go outside and observe your shadow. Notice how it changes in size and shape throughout the day. Discuss with a friend or family member how this relates to the shadows during an eclipse. How do you think the position of the Sun affects the shadows you see?
Draw and Share: Draw a picture of a solar or lunar eclipse. Use colors to show the different parts of the shadow, like the umbra and penumbra. Share your drawing with the class and explain what type of eclipse you have drawn and why it happens. What do you find most interesting about eclipses?
