Interesting Facts About Eclipses

When one object in space masks another, an eclipse occurs. For instance, the Moon passes in front of the Sun to cause a solar eclipse. For a while, the Moon masks the Sun, preventing people on Earth from seeing it. Because planets, moons, and other celestial bodies are constantly moving through space, eclipses do occur. For instance, Earth follows a route known as an orbit as it revolves around the Sun. The Moon follows its own orbit around Earth as it revolves around the Sun. Three celestial bodies temporarily aligning in a row cause an eclipse.

What is Solar and Lunar Eclipse?

When the Moon moves in front of the Sun, it creates a solar eclipse where parts of the Earth experience a shadow. Only the locations where the shadow falls are able to see the eclipse. Nowhere else on Earth can. These places give the impression that the Sun has set.

Solar Eclipse

Types of Solar Eclipses

• Total Solar Eclipse: There is a small region on Earth where a total solar eclipse can be seen. The centre of the Moon's shadow as it strikes Earth is where observers of the total eclipse will be. The sky turns pitch-black, as though it were night. A direct line between the Sun, Moon, and Earth is necessary for a total eclipse to take place.

• Partial Solar Eclipse: When the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not precisely lined up, this occurs. A tiny area of the Sun's surface appears to have a dark shadow.

• Annular Eclipse: The Moon's annular eclipse occurs when it is farthest from Earth. The Moon appears smaller because of its greater distance. It does not completely obscure the Sun's view. The Moon appears as a dark disc on top of a larger disc that is Sun-colored when it is in front of the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears to have a ring around it.

Types of Solar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

There is no light produced by the Moon itself. The Moon is visible from Earth because the Sun shines on it and is reflected by it. Earth prevents the Moon from receiving sunlight during a lunar eclipse. Earth is in the middle of a line formed by the Sun, Moon, and other planets. The Moon is then hidden by Earth. However, the Moon doesn't seem entirely dark. It emits a faint orange or red glow instead. This is so that the Moon can receive some light. This light strikes the Moon after reflecting off the gases that surround the Earth.

Lunar Eclipse

Types of Lunar Eclipses

• Total Lunar Eclipse: When the Moon and Sun are located on the exact opposite sides of Earth, a total lunar eclipse takes place. Despite being in Earth's shadow, the Moon receives some sunlight. The sunlight travels through the atmosphere of Earth, which largely blocks out the blue light. To those on Earth, this causes the Moon to appear red.

• Partial Lunar Eclipse: When a portion of the Moon passes through Earth's shadow, a partial lunar eclipse occurs. On the side of the Moon facing Earth during a partial eclipse, Earth's shadow appears to be very dark. The alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon determines what is visible to people on Earth during a partial lunar eclipse.

Interesting Facts

• The Greek word "ekleipsis," which means "abandonment" or "downfall," is where the English word "eclipse" originates.

• One total eclipse occurs once every 1.5 years.

• The term "syzygy" refers to an alignment of the Earth, Sun, and Moon.

• At the equator, the eclipse shadow travels at a speed of 1770 km/h.

• During a total eclipse, wild animals become disoriented and would get ready for bed.

Solar Eclipse Facts for Kids

• Only a partial solar eclipse is visible from the North or South Poles.

• The maximum duration of a total solar eclipse is 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

• The totality path's maximum width is 269 km.

• There are two to five solar eclipses per year.

• The Moon is travelling across the Sun at a speed of roughly 2,250 km/h (1,398 mph).

Summary

When an observer cannot see one space object while looking at another, there is an eclipse. Solar eclipses and lunar eclipses are the two main types of eclipses visible from Earth. This astronomic event comes with a lot of myth with it. Every year we witness the emergence of both eclipses. All three celestial bodies align in a way to create an eclipse.

Solved Questions

1. What is an eclipse?

Ans: A temporary obstruction of an astronomical object or spacecraft by passing into the shadow of another body or having another body move in front of it causes an eclipse, which is an astronomical event.

2. What has been the maximum duration of the solar eclipse?

Ans: The maximum duration of a total solar eclipse is 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

3. What are the types of solar eclipses?

Ans: There are three types of solar eclipse:

• Total solar eclipse

• Partial solar eclipse

• Annular eclipse

Learning by Doing

Write True/False.

1. During a total eclipse, wild animals become disoriented and get ready for bed.

2. There are two to eight solar eclipses per year.