The Lunar Eclipse

Today I would like to introduce another space phenomenon that is a relation between the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth.

The Lunar cycle occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are line up in a same line. It occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra (shadow). This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, a lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full moon.

Prepare a diagram as the one above so you can explain to your students of the position of the 3 space objects when a Lunar Eclipse will occur.

Remember the previous post which we use objects such as the basketball, ping pong ball and marble to represent the different objects? Use them again to help your students understand better.

The diagram above shows the various stages of the lunar eclipse, this diagram can be shown to the students as lunar eclipse only occurs every few years, alternately teachers may also provide a video that recorded the occurrence of lunar eclipse.

 However if there is a chance when a lunar eclipse occurs, teacher may organize a night curriculum to watch the rare phenomenon together with their students, as they say, nothing is better than seeing for yourself.

Also, since the moon is not as bright as the sun, you may all see the lunar eclipse directly without wearing protective eye wear.