Moon Phases and Eclipses

In this activity, you will review the eight moon phases and the locations of the Earth, moon and sun during each phase.  You will also be introduced to why we have solar and lunar eclipses.

First, let's review the moon phases.  Remember, waxing means "getting bigger" or "turning on" (Wax On!).  The moon's light side will be on the right as we see it from Earth.  Waning means getting smaller.  The sun's light reflecting off the moon will shine on the left side of the moon as we see it from Earth.  Half the moon is always lit by the sun; it's just what we see from our perspective on Earth that determines the phase (shape).  Imagine yourself standing on the Earth in this diagram and looking out at each moon phase.

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Let's take a closer look at what an eclipse is and how the positions of the Earth, moon and sun affect these awesome celestial events.  The underlined title below is a link to the resources you will need.  Please progress through the entire site, clicking on the underlined titles below each section.  You are finished when it takes you back to the teaching section.  You may also click on any underlined words you need defined.

Click here: How do the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon Move?.  

Your Task

• After going through the site, reading, viewing animations and discovering the facts...
• On a blank piece of paper folded lengthwise, sketch the locations of the Earth, moon and sun during both a lunar AND solar eclipse.  For more diagrams of the eclipses click here or search for images of solar and/or lunar eclipses on google.
• Label each object and be sure to show AND label the shadow (umbra and penumbra).
• Write your name and period on your paper in the upper left-hand corner.
• On the back of your sketch, answer the following questions:
• 1.  What phase is the moon in during a lunar eclipse?
• 2.  What phase is the moon in during a solar eclipse?
• 3.  Explain the difference between the umbra and penumbra.
• 4.  How long does it take the moon to rotate on its axis?
• Bonus:  How long does it take the sun to rotate?

Check this rubric to ensure you have met the requirements (click to enlarge):

FYI

Did you know there will be a total eclipse of the sun visible in our area in 2017?  Yep, on the afternoon of August 23, 2017 you will have a ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity to see a total eclipse of the sun. You may have to travel an a couple of hours to the southwest from here (Petersburg, Indiana)  to see it, weather permitting of course.

Here is the link for more information:  Eclipse2017.org