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๐ฌ Think about it
Sometimes the bright full Moon turns a deep red. What turns it that colour? This happens when the Earth steps into the sunlight on its way to the Moon. Let us explore the lunar eclipse.
The Earth between the Sun and Moon in a lunar eclipse.
What is a lunar eclipse?
- Sometimes the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.
- The Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.
- This is called a lunar eclipse.
- We see the Earth's shadow fall on the full Moon.
Example:
During a total lunar eclipse the bright Moon turns dark red until it moves out of the Earth's shadow.
Total lunar eclipse
Partial lunar eclipse
Whole Moon in Earth's shadow
Part of Moon in Earth's shadow
Moon looks dark red
Rest of the Moon stays visible
Safe to watch with the eye
Safe to watch with the eye
๐ฑ Science and Society
The free Stellarium app showing the sky and eclipses.
- The Stellarium app shows the night sky on a computer.
- It is free to use.
- It can tell you about upcoming solar and lunar eclipses.
- You can check which ones are visible from your location.
๐ญ Fascinating Facts
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in the Palani hills.
- The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is in the Palani hills of southern India.
- It was established in 1899.
- It has given data about the Sun for over 100 years.
- It is run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
๐ฌ Know a Scientist
Indian astronomer M.K. Vainu Bappu.
- M.K. Vainu Bappu is called the father of modern Indian astronomy.
- He set up many telescopes in India, including at Kavalur.
- He mainly studied stars and even discovered a comet.
- He travelled the world to study solar eclipses.
Important Points
- A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth blocks the Sun's light from the Moon.
- The Earth's shadow falls on the full Moon.
- We can safely watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.
โ Test Yourself
-
What is a lunar eclipse?
View Answer
When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and blocks sunlight from the Moon. -
Whose shadow falls on the Moon?
View Answer
The Earth's shadow. -
What colour does the Moon turn in a total lunar eclipse?
View Answer
Dark red. -
Can we watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye?
View Answer
Yes, it is safe. -
What is a partial lunar eclipse?
View Answer
When only part of the Moon is in the Earth's shadow.
Important Definitions
- Lunar eclipse — an event when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.
- Total lunar eclipse — when the whole Moon is in the Earth's shadow and looks dark red.
๐ NCERT Question 1 — In Fig. 12.17, how
In Fig. 12.17, how many hours of sunlight do the North Pole and the South Pole receive during one rotation of the Earth?
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๐ NCERT Question 3 — State whether True or
State whether True or False for six statements about eclipses, sunrise, solstice, seasons, and the Earth's motions.
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๐ NCERT Question 4 — Padmashree saw the Orion
Padmashree saw the Orion constellation nearly overhead at 8 pm yesterday. When will she see Orion overhead today?
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๐ NCERT Question 5 — Nandhini saw a group
Nandhini saw a group of stars rising at midnight on 21 June. When will she see them rising at midnight next year?
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๐ NCERT Question 8 — Fill in the circles
Fill in the circles in Fig. 12.18 appropriately with one of the following: Sun, Moon, Earth, for the two eclipses.
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