Project on Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Prepared By:

Mukul Verma (VII A)

Nagesh Kumar (VII A)

Sanjeev Kumar (VII A)

Sahil Kumar (VII B)

 Solar Eclipse

What Is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in a direct line

between the Earth and the Sun.The moon's shadow travels over the
Earth's surface and blocks out the sun's light as seen from Earth.

Types of Solar Eclipses

The moon's shadow has two parts: a central region (umbra) and an
outer region (penumbra). Depending upon which part of the
shadow passes over you, you will see one of three types of solar
eclipses:

• Total - The entire central portion of the sun is blocked out.

• Partial - Only part of the sun's surface is blocked out.
• Annular - Only a small, ring-like sliver of light is seen from
the sun's disc.

If the umbra passes over you, the entire central portion of the sun
will be blocked out. You will see a total solar eclipse, and the sky
will darken as if it were night time. During a total solar eclipse, you
can see the sun's outer atmosphere, called the Corona.
If the penumbra passes over you, only part of the sun's surface will
be blocked out. You will see a partial solar eclipse, and the sky
may dim slightly depending on how much of the sun's disc is
covered.

In some cases, the moon is far enough away in its orbit that the
umbra never reaches the Earth at all. In this case, there is no
region of totality, and what you see is an annular solar eclipse. In
an annular eclipse, only a small, ring-like sliver of light is seen
from the sun.

How to Watch a Solar Eclipse

Never look at the sun directly it can damage your eyes. The best
way to observe the sun is by projecting the image. Here is one way
to project the sun's image:

1. Get two pieces of cardboard (flaps from a box, backs of paper

tablets).
2. With a pin or pencil point, poke a small hole in the center of
one piece (no bigger than the pin or pencil point).
3. Take both pieces in your hand.
4. Stand with your back to the sun.
5. In one hand, hold the piece with the pinhole; place the other
piece (the screen) behind it.
6. The sunlight will pass through the pinhole and form an image
on the screen
7. Adjust the distance between the two pieces to focus and
change the size of the image.
 Lunar Eclipse
What is an eclipse of the Moon? What causes eclipses and why

An eclipse of the Moon (or lunar eclipse) can only occur at Full
Moon, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the
Earth's shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-
shaped components, one nested inside the other. The outer or
penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not
all of the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon. In contrast, the inner
or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct
sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Three types of lunar eclipses:

1. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

• The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow.

2. Partial Lunar Eclipse

• A portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral

shadow.
3. Total Lunar Eclipse

• The entire Moon passes through Earth's umbral

shadow.

When an eclipse of the Moon takes place, everyone on the night

side of Earth can see it. About 35% of all eclipses are of the
penumbral type which are very difficult to detect, even with a
telescope. Another 30% are partial eclipses which are easy to see
with the unaided eye. The final 35% or so are total eclipses, and
these are quite extrordinary events to behold.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the Sun's light from
reaching the Moon. If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon
would be completely black during a total eclipse. All total eclipses
start with a penumbral followed by a partial eclipse, and end with a
partial followed by a penumbral eclipse. The penumbral phases of
the eclipse are quite difficult to see, even with a telescope. However,
partial and total eclipses are easy to observe, even with the naked
eye.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch.

You can watch the lunar eclipse with your eyes. If you have a pair
of binoculars, they will help magnify the view and will make the red
coloration brighter and easier to see. Astronomers can actually
make some useful observations during total eclipses.