What Is a Solar Eclipse?

by Dana Meachen Rau, Who H.Q.

Learn about the phenomenon of a solar eclipse just in time for the Great American Eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024 in this title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics.

Just in time for the third North American total solar eclipse of the twenty-first century, this book explains how to safely observe solar eclipses, how long eclipses last, and why they result in a blackout period during the day. Young armchair astronomers and astronauts will be inspired by the wonders of outer space and what exists beyond our atmosphere as they learn more about the moon, the sun, and our earth. What really happens during a solar eclipse and how does it affect the energy in our atmosphere? You'll find the most up-to-date eclipse information in this exciting new book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Science

56 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Dana Meachen Rau is an author, editor, and illustrator of children's books. She has written more than 100 books for children, many of them nonfiction in subjects including astronomy, history, and geography, as well as numerous biographies. She lives in Burlington, Connecticut, with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Sylvia "Chivy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super awesome book. I can't wait to see the Solar Eclipse on 4/8/2024

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the shortest Who HQ book I’ve ever read. Definitely didn’t seem like there was enough material to fill an entire book.

[Kryssy · Rating 2 out of 5]

**2.5**

HAPPY ECLIPSE DAY! I read this to get more info about the eclipse and learn all the terms but i was disappointed

All the information given was about the lunar cycle and the relative positions of the astrological bodies. Yes, that does contribute to the eclipse but it seems like there could have been more information about the eclipse events themselves

- Eclipse chasers are called umbraphiles which means shadow lovers
- Egyptians thought a serpent swallowed the sun god
- Different cultures believed the eclipse meant different things. Danger. Ceremony of love
- Learned about the paths of the sun and moon. Learned the patterns overlap approximately every 18 years
- Invention of telescope helped learn more about the universe
- Sun = 100+ earths
- Quick breakdown of what makes up the universe and how gravity works
- Photosphere is the bright part we see every day
- Corona is all the gases releasing
- Earth’s axis and orbit is what causes day and night and the seasons
- “That means that the same side of the moon is always facing earth” WRONG!!
- What phases of the moon mean
- 3 toes of solar eclipses: total, annual (moon is closer to sun so it looks like a dot passing over sun), and partial
- Lunar eclipses: earth gets between moon and sun, blocking the reflection thus turning moon red wonder light passes through earth first
- Umbra (totality path) is about 70 miles wide. Penumbra (partial) is about 300. Eclipse covers approximately 1/3 of earth
- Animals get confused
- Bailey’s beads and diamond caused by light shining through craters in the moon
- Chromosphere and other planets may be seen during totality
- From space, the dark oval of the moon can be seen as well as a fuzzy penumbra

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A nice overview of what causes a solar eclipse as well as the basic movements of the earth and moon.

Straightforward information with simplified explanations.

I especially enjoyed the sections on how eclipses have been interpreted in different parts of the world throughout history and different ways of tracking the moon and the sun. Also covers safety practices during an eclipse.

Includes a timeline of events related to solar eclipses, a timeline of space-related events in world history, and a bibliography with additional resources.

Nice black-and-white illustrations help break up the text and give visuals on the principles discussed.

Overall, a nice read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024---May be the last time I will sit and watch such an amazing Eclipse event. But Monday April 08 will be a wonderful day watching the Sun and Moon dancing here in St Louis, Missouri sky. This book is full of good stories about the sky's special events a long time ago and what we will see every time a Eclipse shows up hear again. There is eye-care information for us all. My family will be well-covered with Solar Eclipse Glasses. Enjoy!

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, a well-written, educational book completely crumbled at the end due to scientific or political bias. In this case, an allusion to evolution was brought into the timeline, when the book had no need for that. Why take something unrelated and insert inherent bias? I’m not sure, but it’s a common theme with this series unfortunately. As a teacher, I’m thankful for the opportunity to find out which books I will not be adding to my classroom library due to false, misleading statements.

[Hannah Hutslar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for kids to understand the ins and outs of the various types of solar eclipses and a little bit a history as well. I actually wish it had been a little longer / more in depth, but in reality it was probably just right for my kiddos (ages 6 and 9). Anything more and they probably would have lost interest. 🙈

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't keep my kiddos attention (I think they're a little too young for this one), but it was very informative, had all the details without being overly sciency, and some illustrations for some of the more complicated ideas.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of words, but informative.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid info in a straightforward format. Very readable.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, concise information.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very manageable look at solar eclipses and how to safely observe them.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Covered the basics but also spent time on other space topics (solar system, galaxy, etc). I had hoped for more historical information about eclipses and how scientists study them.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear for a child and adult understanding.

[Meagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diagrams would have been helpful.

[Dana Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and feels rushed. Definitely not the best of the series.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and informative book for kids (and their grown ups!) interested in learning the basics of eclipses and the sun/moon/earth dynamics that allow for this magic to happen!

[Becky S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short children’s book but very informative. I love learn8mg about the sky, space and the history of eclipses.

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this for my niece and nephew with whom I saw the 2024 Solar Eclipse. I thought I'd do a little reading myself to get ready. It had some good information in a simple way to understand.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good source of interesting information.

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of scientific information in this slim book. Very good intro to kids. Loved reading it.

[aubree Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great there was an eclipse here where I live and I should have read it then