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How to Make an Easy Model of a Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the moon. The Earth's shadow is cast on the moon, making it appear dark or reddish. The red coloring arises from sunlight reaching the moon through the Earth's thick atmosphere. A lunar eclipse model is easy to make and will help students understand the movements of these celestial bodies.

Things You'll Need

Foam ball
Pencil
Light bulb
A friend

Instructions

- 1
  Place a light bulb or lamp in the center of a room. Turn any other lights out. Stick a pencil through the ball for use as a handle.
- 2
  Situate yourself or a volunteer between the light bulb and the ball, facing away from the light. Explain that the ball represents the moon, the volunteer's head represents the Earth and the light bulb represents the Sun.
- 3
  Ask the volunteer to move their head slightly to the left until a minimal amount of light shows on the "moon." Explain how this represents a partial lunar eclipse. Ask the volunteer to position his head so that the moon is completely shadowed. Explain how the shadow from his head represents the shadow of the Earth on the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Astronomy