An eclipse happens when one object in space blocks another from view. For example, during a solar eclipse, the Moon comes between Earth and the sun. The Moon blocks the sun for a time so that people on Earth cannot see it.
In ancient times solar eclipses caused great fear and wonder. People did not understand why the sky sometimes darkened in the middle of the day. Today scientists understand why eclipses happen and can determine when they will occur.
Eclipses happen because planets, moons, and other objects constantly move through space. For instance, Earth travels around the sun in a path called an orbit. As Earth moves around the sun, the Moon makes its own orbit around Earth.
In a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the sun and Earth. This stops the sun’s light from reaching Earth. As the Moon passes in front of the sun, the Moon’s shadow sweeps across Earth. The sky gradually grows darker.
If the sun’s light is completely blocked, the Moon appears as a black circle. What looks like a ring of fire appears around the circle. This ring is the corona or the gases that surround the sun.
1. What is an eclipse?
2. What happens during a solar eclipse?
3. What does ancient mean?
4. What is it called when the Earth moves around the Sun?
5. What is the corona?
Comments
Post a Comment