What are Solar Eclipses?What are Solar Eclipses?

Solar EclipseSolar EclipseThe Moon is between theThe Moon is between the

Sun and the Earth.Sun and the Earth.

– As seen from the Earth, As seen from the Earth,

the Moon blocks the Sun.the Moon blocks the Sun.– The eclipse may be either a partial or total The eclipse may be either a partial or total

eclipse.eclipse.

The Sun and the Moon have the same apparent size in the The Sun and the Moon have the same apparent size in the sky.sky.

– Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, but 400 times Sun is 400 times larger than the Moon, but 400 times farther away.farther away.

Frequency of Solar EclipsesFrequency of Solar EclipsesSolar Eclipses occur Solar Eclipses occur during the during the New Moon phaseNew Moon phase..Like lunar eclipses, we do Like lunar eclipses, we do not get solar eclipses at every not get solar eclipses at every new moon because of the tilt new moon because of the tilt of the Moon’s orbit.of the Moon’s orbit.At most new moons the Moon At most new moons the Moon is either above of below is either above of below the Sun.the Sun.Solar eclipses are possible Solar eclipses are possible twice a year.twice a year.

The Sun’s Corona

Like Earth, the Sun has an atmosphere. The outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere is called the corona.

Because the sun is so bright, it is not visible unless the Sun’s surface is blocked out during an eclipse.

Solar Eclipse ImagesSolar Eclipse Images

Ticket Out the Door…Ticket Out the Door…1. 1. When does a solar eclipse occur?When does a solar eclipse occur?2. What happens when the moon’s 2. What happens when the moon’s umbra touches Earth?umbra touches Earth?3. Which part of the moon’s shadow 3. Which part of the moon’s shadow is the largest?is the largest?4. What part of the Moon’s shadow 4. What part of the Moon’s shadow are you in if you see a total solar are you in if you see a total solar eclipse?eclipse?5. Why do you think that partial solar 5. Why do you think that partial solar eclipses are seen more often than eclipses are seen more often than total solar eclipses?total solar eclipses?