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Course: Middle school Earth and space science - NGSS > Unit 2
Lesson 3: Solar eclipsesSolar eclipses
Review your understanding of solar eclipses in this free article aligned to NGSS standards.
Key points:
- A solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts a shadow on part of Earth.
- Observers inside this shadow see a total solar eclipse. During a total solar eclipse, the moon fully covers the bright disk of the sun. This allows the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, to be visible.
- In the moon’s shadow, the air temperature drops an average of 10°F (5.5°C). This is because the moon is blocking most of the sun’s energy from reaching that part of Earth.
- Solar eclipses occur only during the new moon. However, they do not occur every new moon because the moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s orbit around the sun.
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is it going to be hot when a solar eclipse happens(10 votes)
It's actually a bit colder when a solar eclipse happens. It usually drops about 12-15 degrees(30 votes)
The Sun's outer atmosphere(8 votes)
What is a lunar eclipse llike(0 votes)
The moon either looks darker or red for some portion of the night.
Does that help?(35 votes)
- The next solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024!(9 votes)
- that helps thanks(0 votes)
- how hot is it going to be during the solar eclips(0 votes)
The temperature during a solar eclipse depends on a variety of factors, such as the time of day, the location, the season, and the local weather conditions. In general, the temperature may drop slightly during a total solar eclipse as the Moon blocks the Sun's direct radiation and casts a shadow on the Earth's surface.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun, causing the sky to darken and the temperature to drop by several degrees Fahrenheit (or Celsius) in the path of totality, which is the narrow region where the eclipse is visible in its totality. This temperature drop occurs because the Earth's surface is no longer receiving direct sunlight, which is the primary source of heating. However, the temperature change is usually temporary and returns to normal levels after the eclipse ends.
It is worth noting that during a partial solar eclipse, when the Moon only partially blocks the Sun, there may be little or no noticeable temperature change. Additionally, the temperature changes during an eclipse can be affected by local weather conditions, such as cloud cover and wind, which can impact the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground.(14 votes)
- y is space one thing that people like to study when it is like plucking ants out of a ant bed
it is inprodictable(2 votes)
Because many things are interesting about space and a lot of earth's mysteries would not be solved.(7 votes)
how come it there is 2 thing in the sky? wont that make the other side of the earth have no moon at all? even in the night?(4 votes)
What is a solar eclipse like(0 votes)- During a total solar eclipse: the temperature rapidly drops by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, crickets and other insects start chirping because they are fooled into thinking it's night, and the sky gets dark enough for the Sun's corona to be visible. It's one of the most beautiful things that you can see in nature.
North America will get its next total solar eclipse on 8 April 2024. Don't miss it!(10 votes)
- Can you watch a solar eclipse without UV Glasses?(2 votes)
- No, it is not safe to watch a solar eclipse without proper eye protection such as specialized solar filters or eclipse glasses that block out most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Staring at the Sun during an eclipse can cause serious damage to your eyes, including permanent blindness.
The Sun's UV rays can cause severe damage to your eyes, such as sunburn on the cornea and damage to the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. Even if the Sun is partially covered by the Moon during an eclipse, it can still emit harmful UV rays that can cause serious eye damage if you look at it directly without proper protection.
It is important to note that regular sunglasses, even those with dark lenses, are not sufficient for protecting your eyes during a solar eclipse. They do not block out enough UV rays and can even make it more dangerous to look at the Sun because they cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more UV rays to enter your eyes.(5 votes)
- How many seconds are in an hour(2 votes)