A solar eclipse is an event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, partially or totally blocking the sunlight.
A solar eclipse is an event that occurs when sunlight does not reach Earth because it is totally or partially blocked by the Moon. Even though the Moon is many times smaller than the Sun, they can appear to be the same size in the sky because the Moon is so much closer. There are three types of eclipses and between two and five eclipses occur every year.
A total eclipse occurs when the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. This only occurs when the Sun is far away or the Moon is close to Earth and is viewed from the umbra region, where the shadow is the darkest. A partial eclipse can occur when viewed from the penumbra area and the Sun is partially blocked by the Moon. A third type of eclipse is known as an annular eclipse. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is far away from Earth or the Sun is very close. The Moon doesn’t appear large enough in the sky to cover the Sun completely; the Sun appears as a bright ring in the sky.
Eclipses are significant for historians as they are normally well reported and can be dated precisely. Some historians believe a solar eclipse occurred on Good Friday as people reported that there was darkness during the crucifixion of Jesus. An eclipse is a natural phenomenon that has occurred many times, but earlier civilizations who didn’t understand the science behind them often associated them with bad omens and relied on supernatural explanations. The total eclipse of 1919 was used to provide data to support Einstein’s theory of relativity. The eclipse provided an opportunity for scientists to observe light bending around our Sun.
Observing solar eclipses can be dangerous if you don’t use the correct protective equipment because permanent damage can occur to the retina, which could lead to blindness. While indirect sunlight normally does no harm to the cells in our retina, direct sunlight when focused onto our retinas can cause permanent damage to the cells there.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!How Tos about What is a Solar Eclipse?
How to Create a Solar Eclipse Model for Hands-On Learning
Help students visualize a solar eclipse by guiding them to build a simple model using balls and a flashlight. This hands-on activity encourages active engagement and deepens understanding of how the Sun, Moon, and Earth interact during an eclipse.
Gather Materials and Set Up
Collect a flashlight, a small ball (Moon), and a larger ball (Earth). Arrange the balls and flashlight on a table, making sure the room is dim so the flashlight represents the Sun clearly. Preparation makes the activity smooth and effective!
Demonstrate the Sun, Moon, and Earth Positions
Instruct students to position the 'Earth' ball and hold the 'Moon' ball between the 'Earth' and flashlight ('Sun'). Explain how the Moon blocks the Sun's light, casting a shadow on the Earth—just like in a real solar eclipse.
Discuss Eclipse Types and Safety
Describe how the shadow's size and position can change, leading to partial or total solar eclipses. Remind students to never look directly at the Sun during a real eclipse, emphasizing eye safety.
Encourage Questions and Reflection
Ask students what surprised them about the model and how it compares to real-life solar eclipses. Reflection enhances understanding and fosters curiosity about astronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is a Solar Eclipse?
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light from reaching Earth.
How does a solar eclipse occur?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon lines up directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and making the Sun look partially or fully covered.
What are the different types of solar eclipses?
The main types of solar eclipses are total, partial, and annular. Each type depends on how much of the Sun is covered by the Moon.
Why is it dangerous to look at a solar eclipse without protection?
Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can damage your eyes because the Sun's rays are still strong enough to harm the retina, even when partially blocked.
How can teachers safely show a solar eclipse to students?
Teachers can safely show a solar eclipse by using solar viewing glasses, pinhole projectors, or by watching live streams from trusted science sources.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office