Questions

Moon Phases

How many moon phases are there in a year? Table
How many people can view an average one? (you don’t need exact numbers: hint – think about how big of a geographic area can see each phenomena)
When is the next one anywhere in the world? Table or list
When is the next one that is visible in the United States? Map
What is the effect on earth? Describe what happens to the appearance of the world, and how people and animals may react.
What does it look like when it’s happening? Photo, 1st person accounts, literature
How long does one last (minutes, hours, etc.) – what is the duration? -
What sort of special equipment do you need to view it?

Solar/Lunar Eclipses

How many occur in a decade (10 years) on average? Table or graphic
How many people can view an average one? (you don’t need exact numbers: hint – think about how big of a geographic area can see each phenomena)
When is the next one anywhere in the world? table, list
When is the next one that is visible in the United States? map
What is the effect on earth? Describe what happens to the appearance of the world, and how people and animals may react.
What does the sun/moon look like during an eclipse happening? Photo or video
How long does one last (minutes, hours, etc.) – what is the duration?
Do you need special equipment to view the eclipse? text
Where does the moon have to be in relation to the sun and earth for an eclipse to happen?
What is a total eclipse and what is an annular eclipse?
What is a partial/annular/total eclipse? (are these same for lunar/solar?)

Comparing Lunar & Solar Eclipses

Which are more common – lunar eclipses or solar eclipses? Tables
Which are seen by more people? map
Why don’t we have a lunar eclipse every time there is a full moon? Diagram
What is a blue moon? How often do they occur? Text. This is a good one to compare different sources.
What if the moon were a little smaller than it is – would we still have solar eclipses? What about lunar ones? What if the moon were bigger? How does that impact solar and lunar eclipses? Diagram, inferential.
What is something important that scientists can observe during solar eclipses? (the corona)
Where can you see (a particular) solar eclipse?
When is the next total solar eclipse?
Why do eclipses cause awe? There are stories and myths about them, and many people travel all over the world to view an eclipse.
What happens here on earth when there is an eclipse? How do people and animals react? Are there any other effects either on earth or on the moon? Eclipse chasers are called Umbraphiles.
Who sees a lunar eclipse? Who can see a solar eclipse?
What does the moon look like during a lunar eclipse?
- Verbally retell a legend from an ancient culture that features an eclipse as a main event.
- Develop something that shows the number of solar and lunar eclipses between 2000-2020.
- Set the scene for a description of an eclipse event.