|
|
Modeling an Eclipse of the Sun
The diagrams at the end can be used to model an eclipse on an OHP. Copy the pages marked A, B and C onto A3 sheets of paper/card. Cut out the indicated pieces. The disk M, which represents the Moon, is cut out of sheet A and hole left behind represents the Sun. Cut out the irregular shape from B and the circle from C.
Steps for the simulation of a total eclipse.
1 Copy A, B and C onto A3 card/paper Figure 1, 2 and 3.
2 Cut out M from A and keep both pieces - the hole left by M becomes the Sun.
3 Cut out the irregular shape from B keep B and throw away the shape.
4 Cut out E from C - keep E and throw away C
5 Place B on the OHP
6 Place A on top of B and switch on OHP - on screen will a bright circle representing the Sun, see
Figure 4.
7 Take disk M and slowly slide it over the Hole in A, see Figure 5.
8 Once disk M covers the hole in B completely showing the totality, see
Figure 6.
9 Now remove A and at the same time making sure that M stays in place. This shows the solar corona,
Figure 7.
10 Steps 7 - 9 can be repeated in reverse to complete the eclipse simulation
Steps for the simulation of a partial eclipse.
11 Place A on OHP and switch on.
12 Slowly slide M across the hole, but slightly to one side, so that the hole is never completely covered.
Steps for the simulation of an annular eclipse
13 Place A on OHP and switch on.
14 Take E and slowly slide it so that it will eventually move into the hole,
Figures 8 and 9.
15 When E is in the middle of the hole in A, there should be ring of "sunlight" all the way round it,
Figure 10.
Return to Budding Scientist
|
