Exam 3: Moon Phases and Eclipses

Our calendar divides the year into 30-day periods in recognition of the synodic cycle of the Moon.

After one _______________. of 18 years 11 1/3 days, the pattern of eclipses repeats.

The sidereal period is _______________ days long, the time it takes the Moon to circle the sky once and return to the same position relative to the stars.

Predicting an eclipse is easy because all you have to do is keep track of where the Moon crosses the ecliptic.

During a total solar eclipse, what part of the Sun is often visible that we normally cannot see?

Between now and 2024, in which year will there be no opportunities for a solar eclipse?

Due to the high temperatures of the gas, what color do prominences appear as during a solar eclipse?

A(n) _______________ occurs when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun.

As the illuminated part of the Moon grows larger from new to full, it is said to "wane".

What does a waxing gibbous moon mean?

What is the safest way or method to observe a solar eclipse?

Total lunar eclipses tend to be darkest when the Moon's orbit carries it through the center of the _______________.

If the Moon crosses Earth's shadow at the center of the umbra, how long will the entire eclipse last from start to finish?

If eclipses occur in repeatable patterns, then explain why an eclipse is not visible from the same place on Earth after one Saros cycle.

What produces the lunar phases?

In most months, there are no eclipses.

The Moon moves slowly against the background of the constellations.

What happens during a penumbral lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse can only occur when the Moon is ____

What creates a total lunar eclipse?