Okuzeka
Astronomy & Space vocabulary · The Night Sky & Measurement

Eclipse

Meaning in astronomy & space, with examples

/ɪˈklɪps/nounCore term

In astronomy & space, eclipse means: An event in which one body in space blocks the light of another, for example when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, or Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.

In Turkish: tutulma

How it is used

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun; a lunar eclipse when the Moon moves into Earth's shadow. Eclipses can be total, partial or annular. People watch, chase and photograph eclipses.

Example sentences

  1. Never look directly at a partial solar eclipse without eclipse glasses.

  2. During the total lunar eclipse, the Moon turned a deep red colour.

Common collocations

  • total solar eclipse
  • lunar eclipse
  • partial eclipse
  • annular eclipse
  • eclipse glasses
  • SunThe star at the centre of our solar system. Its gravity holds the planets in their orbits, and its light and heat make life on Earth possible.
  • moonA natural object that orbits a planet or a dwarf planet. Written as 'the Moon', it means Earth's only natural satellite.
  • lunar phaseOne of the changing shapes of the Moon's lit part as seen from Earth during a cycle of about 29.5 days, from new Moon to full Moon and back.
  • transitThe passage of a planet or moon across the face of a larger body, such as Mercury crossing the Sun's disc or an exoplanet passing in front of its star.

More terms: The Night Sky & Measurement

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