Taken from NASA.gov: One of the reasons that ancient peoples could not predict total solar eclipses was because they did not appreciate the mathematics involved in forecasting. Also, many of the parameters needed to accurately predict eclipses had not been astronomically measured until the first century CE.
Spark your math thinking!
- Set up your math mini spark recording page: #35: The Math Behind the Solar Eclipse
- Go to this site to read about eclipses. Then click the arrows to go through the quick facts. Record several details.
- Watch this video, The Coincidental Geometry of a Total Solar Eclipse, to learn more about the math involved. Take notes while watching.
4. Read and take notes about total solar eclipses at National Geographic Kids.
5. *Advanced: Take the NASA Challenge X Marks the Spot Linear Equations. Print out the activity sheets to get started.
6. *Advanced: Take the NASA Challenge Exploring Angular Diameter.
7. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.