Book 1, Question 84
Why Do Eclipses Happen? Shadows in Space!
Eclipses are shadows in space. In a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and casts a shadow on Earth, and in a lunar eclipse, Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon and casts a shadow on the Moon, which may turn red. Eclipses do not happen every month because the Sun, Moon and Earth have to line up just right. A total solar eclipse is rare in any one town because the Moon's shadow is small. Never stare at the Sun, and use safe solar eclipse glasses or watch with an adult.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 1
More fun facts
- An eclipse happens when a planet or moon gets in the way of the Sun's light.
- Astronomers have another name for a solar eclipse: an occultation.
- A total solar eclipse happens about every year and a half somewhere on Earth.
- A partial solar eclipse happens at least twice a year somewhere on Earth.
- The Moon's shadow on Earth is not very big, so only a small part of Earth sees each solar eclipse.
- It is never safe to look at the Sun without special solar viewing protection, except during the short total phase of a total eclipse.
- A total solar eclipse crossed North America on April 8, 2024.
Sources: NASA Space Place, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
How often do total solar eclipses happen?
About every year and a half somewhere on Earth.
Can I look at a solar eclipse?
Only with special solar viewing protection. The one exception is the brief total phase of a total eclipse.