2d Eclipse Gizmo Link
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes the Sun and Earth.
The simulation is available through the ExploreLearning platform. Educational institutions can contact their customer support at (USA toll-free) or +1-434-293-7043 (international) for licensing and subscription details. 2D Eclipse Simulation | ExploreLearning Gizmos 2d eclipse gizmo
The tool provides a "from Earth" view, allowing students to see exactly what a partial or total eclipse looks like from our planet's surface. Simulated Phenomena A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes
| Component | Function | |-----------|----------| | | Fixed light source (often at center or left). | | Earth | Planet casting a shadow into space. | | Moon | Satellite orbiting Earth. | | Orbit path | Circular line showing Moon’s trajectory. | | Shadow cone | Dashed lines extending from Earth (lunar eclipse) or Moon (solar eclipse). | | Angle slider | Controls the Moon’s orbital tilt relative to the Sun-Earth line. | | Distance slider | Adjusts Earth-Moon distance (affects shadow size). | | View selector | Toggle between “Solar Eclipse” and “Lunar Eclipse” modes. | 2D Eclipse Simulation | ExploreLearning Gizmos The tool
| Question | Gizmo Action | |----------|---------------| | Why isn’t there an eclipse every full moon? | Keep Moon’s tilt at 5°, advance time – see most full moons miss the shadow. | | What determines total vs. partial eclipse? | Adjust Moon’s distance – partial occurs when Moon partly crosses shadow edge. | | Can a solar eclipse happen at night? | No – solar eclipse requires Sun, Moon, Earth alignment – daytime only. |
