Part 3

Where would you see a partial eclipse and why?

A partial eclipse occurs when you are in the penumbra. This is the part of the shadow casted by the eclipse surrounding the darkest part. Part of the sun is visible from Earth in this shadow.

Where do you see a total eclipse and why?

A total eclipse occurs when you are in the umbra. This is the darkest part of the eclipse because the light from the sun is completely blocked by the moon.

During what two phases of the moon does spring tide occur and why?

During a full moon and a new moon, a spring tide occurs. This is because the Earth, sun, and moon are in a straight line so the gravitational pull increases

During what two phases does neap tides occur and why?

During the first quarter moon and a third quarter moon, a neap tide occurs. This is because the moon is at a right angle to the sun.

Solar Eclipse

The blocking of sunlight to Earth that occurs when the moon is directly between the sun and Earth.

Lunar Eclipse

The blocking of sunlight to the moon that occurs when Earth is directly between the sun and the full moon.

What causes the difference in size of high and low tides during spring and neap tide?

The difference in size and length of high and low tides during spring and neap tides occur because of the difference in how much the moon's gravity pulls on different parts of Earth.

Why does the moon appear to change shape during the course of a month?

The phase of the moon you see depends on how much of the sunlit moon faces Earth. This depends on the position of the moon in its revolution.

Spring Tide

The tide with the greatest difference between consecutive low and high tides is a spring tide. This occurs during a new moon and full moon.

Neap Tide

The tide with the least difference between consecutive low and high tides is a neap tide. This occurs during a first quarter moon and a third quarter moon.

Why don't we have a solar and lunar eclipse EVERY month?

We don't have a solar and lunar eclipse every month because the moon's orbit is about 5 degrees tilted from Earth's orbit around the sun. Therefore, in most months the moon revolves around Earth without moving into Earth's shadow or the moon's shadow hitting Earth.