Use the diagram above to answer the following questions. The diagram shows the Earth, the Sun's rays, and the Moon at eight different positions on its orbit. Write the number(s) of the appropriate position next to each of the following events.
What Causes Solar and Lunar Eclipses?
Materials:
• White polystyrene ball, 3 inches in diameter (to represent the moon)
• Pencil or other "stick"
• Overhead Projector (to represent the sun)
1. Hold the ball out in front of you, but hold it level with your eye. Face the light bulb and hold the ball so that it blocks the light; it may help to close one eye.
What kind of eclipse are you modeling?
2. Now face away from the light bulb and hold the ball so that the shadow of your head covers the ball.
What kind of eclipse are you modeling?
What phase is the moon in during a lunar eclipse?
What phase is the moon in during a solar eclipse?
Describe what causes a lunar eclipse. Draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.
Describe what causes a solar eclipse. Draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.