Solar Eclipse Science & Safety: 10 Questions

Test NASA-backed facts on the Moon’s shadow, annular rings, totality, solar viewers and corona research.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01Which lunar phase is necessary for a solar eclipse?

New moonFull moonFirst-quarter moonLast-quarter moon

QUESTION 02Why does a solar eclipse not occur at every new moon?

The Sun switches off monthlyThe Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s orbital planeEarth stops rotating at new moonThe Moon has no shadow

QUESTION 03What is the Moon’s dark central shadow during a solar eclipse called?

PenumbraCoronaUmbraPhotosphere

QUESTION 04What becomes visible around the dark Moon during totality?

The Sun’s solid surfaceThe far side of the MoonEarth’s ocean floorThe Sun’s corona

QUESTION 05Which solar eclipse shows a bright ring surrounding the Moon?

Annular eclipseTotal lunar eclipseTotal solar eclipsePenumbral lunar eclipse

QUESTION 06Can ordinary dark sunglasses safely replace certified solar eclipse viewers?

Yes, if used in pairsNo, ordinary sunglasses are not sufficientYes, during all partial eclipsesYes, if the sky looks dim

QUESTION 07During which brief part of a total eclipse may the uncovered eye look directly at the Sun?

The entire partial phaseWhile a bright crescent remainsOnly while the Sun’s bright face is completely coveredThroughout an annular eclipse

QUESTION 08What should you look at when using a pinhole projector for an eclipse?

The Sun directly through the openingA magnifying glass pointed at the SunYour reflection in the pinholeA projected image on another surface

QUESTION 09Which part of the Moon’s shadow generally gives a partial solar eclipse?

PenumbraUmbra onlySolar coronaEarth’s core

QUESTION 10Why do researchers study the corona during total solar eclipses?

To measure ocean salinityTo investigate solar energy flow and the solar windTo locate Earth’s magnetic polesTo see the Moon’s hidden oceans

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