Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Align the Sun, Earth and Moon and explore their shadows.
Make a shadow in space
Line up the Sun, Earth and Moon. Predict where the shadow will go, then test your idea!
The bands show this toy model’s alignment zones, not measured eclipse probabilities or distances.
New Moon: Sun → Moon → Earth
Why do eclipses happen?
Light travels from the Sun. When one world blocks sunlight, it casts a shadow. A solar eclipse needs the Moon between the Sun and Earth; a lunar eclipse needs Earth between the Sun and Moon. The Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° to Earth’s orbital plane, so new and full Moons usually miss the necessary alignment.
Real-world connection & myth buster
A solar eclipse is visible only from parts of Earth touched by the Moon’s shadow. A lunar eclipse can be seen from the night side of Earth when the Moon is above the horizon.
Myth: An eclipse happens every new or full Moon. Actually: the Moon’s tilted orbit usually takes it above or below the alignment.
Eye safety: Never look directly at the Sun without proper eclipse eye protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.
My experiment notebook
Pin up to 10 setups on this device, then restore one to investigate again.
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Quick knowledge check · 3 questions
1. What goes between the Sun and Earth in a solar eclipse?
2. What casts the shadow during a lunar eclipse?
3. Why isn't there an eclipse every month?
This side-view illustration uses arbitrary alignment bands, exaggerated sizes and a symbolic shadow. It does not calculate actual eclipse type, timing, location, magnitude or visibility. A central alignment here does not guarantee a total eclipse.
What is happening?
Move the Moon, predict the shadow and discover the difference between solar and lunar eclipses.
Simplified side view with symbolic shadows and arbitrary alignment zones. Sizes and distances are not to scale; this is not an eclipse predictor. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eclipse eye protection.
Questions to explore
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and casts its shadow on Earth.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow.
Why is there not an eclipse every month?
The Moon's orbit is tilted, so its shadow or the Moon usually misses the alignment needed.
Can I look at a solar eclipse?
Never look directly at the Sun without proper eclipse eye protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.