Solar Eclipse Paths and Shadow Geometry

Start with Moon phases, then move to lunar eclipses and solar eclipses. Both eclipse sheets show diagrams that are not to scale, so remind students to read the labels.

Label the umbra, penumbra and antumbra in solar eclipse diagrams and compare Sun and Moon sizes. The directions on the page read: Read the text. In each box in diagrams A and B, write umbra, penumbra or antumbra. Under each diagram, write total or annular. The diagrams are not to scale. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade Earth and space, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Each phase has its own rise and set times. A full moon rises at about 6 pm and a new moon at about 6 am, according to the table on the sheet.

The umbra is the dark inner part of a shadow, and the penumbra is the paler outer part. In a lunar eclipse the Moon moves through both.

It happens when the Moon is far enough away that it does not cover the Sun completely. The Solar Eclipse sheet has students label diagrams as total or annular.