Question 1: During which phase of the moon does a solar eclipse occur?
- New moon
- Full moon
- Waning crescent
Correct Answer: New moon
Fact: A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase, when the moon passes in front of the sun, casting its shadow on the Earth's surface. However, a solar eclipse doesn't occur at every new moon. The moon's orbit is tilted in relation to the Earth's orbit around the sun, so the moon often passes above or below the Earth.
Question 2: What is the sun’s corona?
- The sun’s outer atmosphere
- The sun’s magnetic field
- The sun’s core
Correct Answer: The sun’s outer atmosphere
Fact: The sun's corona, also called Stellar corona, extends millions of miles into space. Composed of superheated plasma, the corona emits light and heat, creating the sun's halo during a total solar eclipse. It consists of highly iodized gases, primarily hydrogen and helium.
Question 3: What type of solar eclipse occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth?
- Hybrid solar eclipse
- Annular solar eclipse
- Total solar eclipse
Correct Answer: Annular solar eclipse
Fact: An annular solar eclipse occurs because the moon appears smaller than the sun, leaving a visible 'ring of fire' around its edge. Unlike during a total solar eclipse, the moon does not completely cover the sun's disk.