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Lunar and Solar Eclipses

1. Place a tennis ball on the table. This ball represents the Sun.

2. Hold a marble between your thumb and forefinger, at an arm's length away, and close to the

ball.

3. Draw and describe the appearance of the size of the marble as it is next to the ball in the table

below.

Eclipse Model Part One

DRAW / DESCRIBE

4. Now close one eye and gradually move the marble closer to the open eye. Notice the apparent changes in the size of the marble.

5. When the marble is about two inches away from your open eye, draw and describe the appearance of the marble size compared to the size of the ball in the table below.

Eclipse Model Part Two
DRAW / DESCRIBE

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

6. How did the size of the marble seem to change as it was moved closer to your eye?

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7. Did the size of the marble actually change? (answer without using “yes” or “no”)

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8. Use this model to explain why the Moon sometimes appears to be larger than the Sun.

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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The moon blocks the light of the Sun temporarily causing the Sun to disappear from sight. Use a large circle to represent the Sun, a medium circle to represent the Earth, and a small circle to represent the Moon. Draw the objects in the position that they would be in when a solar eclipse occurs. Have your teacher check your model and then draw and label it in the space below.

9. How can a smaller object such as the Moon block a huge object such as the Sun from view

during a solar eclipse?

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10. During what phase of the moon does a solar eclipse occur?

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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is situated between the Sun and the Moon. The Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon causing the moon to look dark from the Earth. Use a large circle to represent the Sun, a medium circle to represent the Earth, and a small circle to represent the Moon. Draw the objects in the position that they would be in when a lunar eclipse occurs. Have your teacher check your model and then draw and label it in the space below.

11. During what phase of the Moon does a lunar eclipse occur?

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Solar and lunar eclipses do not occur every time there is a new moon or a full moon. The Moon's orbit around the earth is slightly tilted with respect to the Sun, so it seldom comes directly in line with the Sun. This orbit has a five degree (5o) "wobble," that causes it to sometimes pass in the path of the Sun. When the Moon’s orbit makes this slight change, conditions are correct for an eclipse. Scientists know exactly when eclipses will occur because the orbit of the Moon, wobble and all, is so predictable.