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This book explores the ideas, myths, and fun facts about solar and lunar eclipses. 

SOLAR ECLIPSE

WHAT IS IT?

Solar Eclipses occur when the moon gets between the earth and sun, and that causes the moon to cast a shadow over the earth.

When do they take place?

Solar Eclipses can only take place at the phase of a new moon, when the moon passes directly between the sun and earth.

LUNAR ECLIPSE

A lunar eclipse is when the moon moves into the Earth's shadows.

When do they take place?

They only occur when the sun, earth and moon are exactly aligned with earth between the other two and only on the night of a full moon. 

What do eclipses mean in other cultures?

The Vikings of the Northern Europe believed during total solar eclipses, the Sun was being eaten by two wolves. According to the legend, the wolves were hungry for celestial bodies.

The Chinese have a saying "The Sun has been eaten". They, like the viking, believed that an eclipses was a result of a dragon eating the Sun.

In the Inca culture, it was believed that a total solar eclipse was a bad sign from the mighty sun god, Inca. The god was angry and in displeasure. Something would need to be done to please them.

Activity!

After learning so much about solar and lunar eclipse, let's make our own. Start by going around your environment and collect the following three items: a small like tennis ball, a big like basketball and a flashlight. 

The smaller ball will represent the Moon and the bigger ball will represent the Earth. The flashlight will be the Sun.

In order to make a solar eclipse, start by setting up the balls. The smaller ball will need to be set up to the left and the bigger ball will be on the right. Make sure to leave about a foot in between.

Using the flashlight, shine it onto the smaller ball. We will then be able to see a shadow casted onto the bigger ball. This is a solar eclipse. 

To make a lunar eclipse, start with the same set up as a solar eclipse. Place the smaller and bigger ball about a foot apart from one another.

This time with the flashlight, shine it on the bigger ball. We will see it cover the entirety of the smaller ball. This is a lunar eclipse. 

A lunar eclipse is when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon. This blocks the sunlight from the moon. 

A full lunar eclipse happens when the Moon and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth. 

A partial lunar eclipse happens when only one part of Earth's shadow is covered by the Moon.