Lesson 3.1: Introduction to Lunar Eclipses
Goal:
Find a lunar eclipse in the Earth, Moon, and Sun Simulation and explore the different views to answer the question: What makes the Moon completely dark during a lunar eclipse?
Tips:
• There will be a lunar eclipse in July, August, or September in 2025.
• You may find it helpful to move time slowly, using the day and hour timeline sliders.
Model how the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned during a lunar eclipse
Describe the precise location of the Earth, Moon, and Sun which allow a lunar eclipse to occur.
CFS:
accurately identifies the position of the Moon to predict the correct Moon phase
accurately describes the cause and effect relationship between rotational movements and illuminated objects
Model how the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned during a solar eclipse
Describe the precise location of the Earth, Moon, and Sun which allow a solar eclipse to occur.
CFS:
accurately identifies the position of the Moon to predict the correct Moon phase
accurately describes the cause and effect relationship between rotational movements and illuminated objects
Draw the top view diagram for a full moon and a lunar eclipse below.
- Include the Sun
- Earth
- Moon
- Moon orbit line
Describe the differences between a lunar eclipse and a full moon.
CFS:
accurately identifies the position of the Moon to predict the correct Moon phase
accurately describes the cause and effect relationship between rotational movements and illuminated objects
Draw the side view (system view) diagram for a full moon and a lunar eclipse below.
- Include the Sun
- Earth
- Moon
- Moon orbit line