Eclipse Soundscapes Apprentice Training

An eclipse is when one object in space passes into the shadow of another object, making the second object dark or totally blocking it. The objects can be planets, moons, or other objects. An eclipse always includes a star, like the Sun, and two other objects. 

There are two types of eclipses: solar eclipses and lunar eclipses. 

1. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. When this happens, a shadow is created on the surface of Earth. The Moon briefly blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the Earth during a solar eclipse.
2. A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon moves behind the Earth. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun. When this happens, the Earth blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon.

lunar – having to do with the moon

lunar eclipse – when the Moon moves behind the Earth

shadow – darkness caused by the blocking of a light source

solar – having to do with the sun

solar eclipse – when the moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun and the sun’s light is partially or totally blocked by the moon.

surface – the outer part of an object

Write, draw, or verbally discuss the answers to the following questions:

•  What is a solar eclipse?
• What is a lunar eclipse?