Eclipses

Key Notes:

🌑 What is an Eclipse?

  • An eclipse happens when one object in space blocks the light from or to another object.
  • There are two main types of eclipses that we can see from Earth: solar eclipse and lunar eclipse.

🌞 Solar Eclipse

Happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun.

The Moon blocks the sunlight, and a shadow falls on Earth.

It can only happen during the daytime and on a new moon day.

There are three types:

  • Total Solar Eclipse – The Sun is completely covered by the Moon.
  • Partial Solar Eclipse – Only part of the Sun is covered.
  • Annular Eclipse – The Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight.

🌕 Lunar Eclipse

  • Happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.
  • The Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
  • It can only happen at night and during a full moon.
  • The Moon may look reddish during a total lunar eclipse (called a “blood moon”).

☀️🌙 Important Points to Remember

  • Eclipses don’t happen every month because the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted.
  • Never look directly at a solar eclipse without special glasses—it can hurt your eyes.
  • Eclipses are natural and safe to observe with proper care.
  • People used to think eclipses were magical or scary, but now we understand them with science!

🧠 Fun Fact

  • The word “eclipse” comes from a Greek word meaning “to leave out” or “to darken“.

Let’s practice!