The Sizes of the Sun and Moon
The Sun and the Moon are of very different sizes but appear to be the same size in the sky. The diameter of the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun’s diameter; however, by chance, the Moon is also about 400 times closer to Earth. To observers on Earth’s surface, the size of the Sun appears the same as the size of the Moon. When the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun as viewed from Earth, it can exactly cover the disk of the Sun to produce a total solar eclipse.
Watch this video to learn more.
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Take Notes
What would a solar eclipse look like if the Moon were farther away?
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