Ask an Astronomer: "Why are Solar Eclipses Only Visible in Some Parts of the World?"

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

Science and Technology and Engineering Education, Science

Related Academic Standards

3.3.4.B2 3.3.4.B2

SCALES

Know the basic characteristics and uses of telescopes.

PATTERNS/PHASES

Identify major lunar phases.

PATTERNS

Explain time (days, seasons) using solar system motions.

3.3.6.B1 3.3.6.B1

Compare and contrast the size, composition, and surface features of the planets that comprise the solar system as well as the objects orbiting them.

Recognize the role of gravity as a force that pulls all things on or near the earth toward the center of the earth and in the formation of the solar system and the motions of objects in the solar system.

Explain why the planets orbit the sun in nearly circular paths.

Describe how the planets change their position relative to the background of the stars

Explain how the tilt of the earth and its revolution around the sun cause an uneven heating of the earth which in turn causes the seasons and weather patterns.

3.3.7.B2 3.3.7.B2

SCALE AND MEASUREMENT

Identify a variety of instruments used to gather evidence about the universe.

PATTERNS

Describe repeating patterns in the Sun-Earth-Moon system and the positions of stars.

SCALE

Relate planetary size and distance in our solar system using an appropriate scale model.

S4.D.3.1.1 S4.D.3.1.1

Describe motions of the Sun - Earth - Moon system.

S8.D.3.1.1 S8.D.3.1.1

Describe patterns of earth’s movements (i.e., rotation and revolution) in relation to the moon and sun (i.e., phases, eclipses, and tides)

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Description

Ask an Astronomer is produced by the Cool Cosmos Team (the joint Education and Public Outreach group for the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center) located at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. These videos may be redistributed for educational purposes only, provided credit is given to NASA and Caltech in all instances. NASA and Caltech make no warranties as to the quality of presentation or accuracy of information provided herein, as these videos are intended for entertainment and general education purposes only. All other rights reserved.

Ask an Astronomer

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"Why are solar eclipses only visible in some parts of the world?"
Answered by Dr. Susan Stolovy of the SIRTF Science Center
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Introduction to "Ask an Astronomer"

Ask an Astronomer: "Why are Solar Eclipses Only Visible in Some Parts of the World?"