Apprentice
On this page you will learn lots of information about solar eclipses and complete some activities. Understanding more about solar eclipses is an important first step in becoming an Eclipse Soundscapes Citizen Scientist. In the first Apprentice lesson you will learn about why solar eclipses happen and the difference between annular and total solar eclipses. In the second Apprentice lesson you will learn where in the United States you can experience the 2023 annular eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse. After you finish these two Apprentice lessons, you can take the Apprentice Certificate quiz to earn your Eclipse Soundscapes Apprentice Certificate! You will need to have your Apprentice Certificate to be an Eclipse Soundscapes Field Researcher or an Eclipse Soundscapes Data Analyst.
Apprentice Lesson 1
Learn about solar eclipses from the experts!
- Lesson 1 – Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
- Lesson 1 – Activity #2: Eclipse Basics Trivia Quiz
- Lesson 1 – Activity #3: Listening Challenge
Lesson 1 - Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
Directions: Watch or listen to the following 2 videos to learn:
- Why solar eclipses happen
- The difference between annular and total solar eclipses.
Video #1: Solar Eclipse 101 by National Geographic
Time: 5 min video
Description: A total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth once every year or two. What is an eclipse? Learn more about how solar eclipses happen, the four types of eclipses, and how to view the sun safely if you’re within the path of totality.
Video #2: Eclipses: Crash Course Astronomy by Dr. Phil Plait
Time: 10 min video
Description: Subject Matter Expert and astronomer Phil Plait gives you a “Crash Course” in Astronomy and specifically eclipses.
Lesson 1 - Activity #2: Eclipse Trivia Quiz
Lesson #1 - Activity 3: Listening Challenge
Directions: Listen to the following clip and guess the eclipse type!
Apprentice Lesson 2 - The Eclipse Path
Learn about solar eclipses from the experts!
- Lesson 2 – Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
- Lesson 2 – Activity #2: Eclipse Path Trivia Quiz
- Lesson 2 – Activity #3: Challenge
Lesson 2 - Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
Directions: Watch or listen to the following 2 videos to learn:
- Where you can experience the October 14, 2023 annular eclipse
- Why some people will experience an annular eclipse and some will experience a partial eclipse
Video #1: The October 2023 Annular Eclipse Path by ARISA Lab
Time: 3 min video
Description: What is an eclipse path and where in the United States can you experience the October 23, 2023 annular eclipse?
The eclipse path maps in these videos are courtesy of Michael Zeiler, GreatAmericanEclipse.com
Video #2: The October 14, 2023 Annular Eclipse Path by State by ARISA Lab
Time: 3 min video
Description: A quick tour of the states that will experience the October 14, 2023 annular eclipse, including major cities and National Parks are along the annular eclipse path.
The eclipse path maps in these videos are courtesy of Michael Zeiler, GreatAmericanEclipse.com
Lesson 2 - Activity #2: Eclipse Path Trivia Quiz
Apprentice Lesson 3 - Lunar vs Solar Eclipses & Why eclipses don't happen every month
Learn about solar eclipses from the experts!
- Lesson 3 – Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
- Lesson 3 – Activity #2: Why Don’t Eclipses Happen every Month Trivia Quiz
- Lesson 3 – Activity #3: Internet Search Challenge
Lesson 3 - Activity #1: Watch/Listen to the experts
Directions: Watch or listen to the following video to learn:
- What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?
- Why don’t eclipses happen every month?
Video #1: Why aren’t there eclipses every month? by Fraser Cain, Universe Today
Time: 4 min video
Description: If the Sun, Earth and Moon are lined up, shouldn’t we get a lunar and solar eclipse every month? Clearly, we don’t, but why not? This video was made prior to the total solar eclipse that crossed the US in 2017. However, this information will also help you learn and prepare for the annular eclipse that passes over the US in 2023 and the next total solar eclipse that passes over the US in 2024!
Lesson 3 - Activity #2: Eclipse Trivia Quiz
Lesson #3 - Activity 3: Internet Search Challenge
An annular eclipse happens somewhere on Earth every 1 or 2 years, but not always at the same location on Earth.
Your challenge is to figure out where when the next Annular Eclipse will be in the United States after 2023. Do some searching and come back and submit your answer!
Next Steps - Apprentice Certification Test (Coming Soon)
Thank you for completing the Apprentice Training! Now you know a lot about eclipses!
To receive your Eclipse Soundscapes: Citizen Scientist Apprentice Certificate please take the Apprentice Certification Test. It is an online test that should take about 20 minutes. Once you complete it, you’ll receive your certificate and be invited to learn more about how to be an Eclipse Soundscapes Field Researcher!