When shadows cross in space

In the picture

1. 1The Sun: the bright light source that makes every shadow
2. 2The Moon between Sun and Earth: it blocks sunlight and casts a shadow
3. 3The darkest shadow: from inside it, the Sun is fully covered (total solar eclipse)
4. 4The lighter shadow: from here, the Sun is only partly covered
5. 5The Moon in Earth’s shadow: it dims and turns reddish (lunar eclipse)

Examples

• Standing in the narrow dark shadow, you would see daytime turn dark like dusk for a few minutes.
• On a lunar eclipse night, anyone on the night side of Earth can see the Moon turn copper red.

Quiz: When shadows cross in space (Age 12)

1. 1

   Which line-up of the three bodies causes a solar eclipse?

   • Earth is between the Sun and the Moon
   • The Moon is between the Sun and Earth
   • The Sun is between Earth and the Moon
2. 2

   During a lunar eclipse, which body is in the middle of the line-up?

   • The Moon
   • Earth
   • The Sun
3. 3

   If you stood inside the darkest part of the Moon’s shadow on Earth, what would you see?

   • The Sun only partly covered
   • The Sun completely covered
   • The Sun shining as normal

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.