Eclipses

Eclipses

5/25/2011

Kyle C.

Lunar vs. Solar Eclipse

Occurs at night	Occurs during day
Can only occur when the moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky-full moon	Rare to see
Lunar eclipse doesn’t appear monthly	They can be seen for a short period of time
Can see more readily than Solar	Can damage your eyesight (Use telescope)
Safe to watch lunar eclipse

Hypothesis:

Why do they occur?

It occurs because the moons shadow is longer between the moon and the earth.

What did ancient people used to think the eclipse was?

As far as I know, they thought it was like the world ending.

Question:

What causes them?

Lunar Eclipse is caused when earth is going through between the moon and the sun while the Solar Eclipse is caused when moon is moving through.

When is the next Eclipse?

The next Eclipse discovered by NASA dates Jun 1^st (Partial Solar eclipse of 2011/Jun/1^st)

Which type of eclipse occurs most often? Why?

Lunar, it’s more visible over half the Earth for a certain period of time. Solar Eclipses are rare to see.

Are eclipses seen from every point on Earth?

I think they can all theoretically see the eclipses; however I cannot guarantee that I am right.

How do we view an eclipse?

Before viewing the eclipse we should know that lunar eclipse is more common to our sights than solar. The distance viewing the eclipse really matters. Lunar can be seen for a certain period of time, probably around the world. Solar are rare, and they can seriously damage one’s sight.

Does everyone get to see it? When will it rise?

Those for whom the moon doesn’t happen to be in their sky, can’t actually see the eclipse (So if China is night and England is afternoon, China will have a chance to see it); I’m sure the moon rise is usually or always less than an hour before the sun (Solar Eclipse).

What safe ways are used to view an eclipse?

As I mentioned above Solar Eclipse is not safe; so astronomer and scientist use telescope to prevent their eye sight and discover more about the eclipse.