Summary
Want to watch the Sun disappear? It's no magic trick—it's a total solar eclipse! This rare and spectacular phenomenon is just one type of eclipse caused by Earth's cosmic dance with the Moon and the Sun. At certain points in the Moon's orbit, it blocks our view of the Sun, resulting in a solar eclipse. And when Earth gets between the Sun and the Moon, our shadow crosses the Moon, resulting in a lunar eclipse. But why are eclipses so rare? Tim and Moby have the answer. They'll also explain the difference between partial and total eclipses; what an umbra is; why the path of totality is the place to be; and how to observe a solar eclipse safely. Don't let this movie pass you by—click "play" and prepare to be illuminated!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Eclipse:
- What is one new thing you learned about eclipse?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining eclipse.
- Draw or give one example of your own.