Earth orbits the sun while the moon orbits Earth. Occasionally, all three of them become aligned with one another. When this happens, an eclipse occurs. There are two types of eclipses: solar and lunar. Both are rare events simply because, due to the movement of all three celestial bodies, the times when they line up with one another are infrequent.
Solar eclipses are easily the more spectacular of the two. For a solar eclipse to occur, the moon's orbit must take it between Earth and the sun. While the sun is much larger than the moon, the relative nearness of the moon to Earth makes it appear to be the same size as the sun when viewed from the ground. Thus, when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly aligned, the moon appears to cover the entire sun. This is a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse may be either total or partial. When a total eclipse happens, the sun is completely obscured by the moon. The sky darkens, and it appears to be night time. However, most solar eclipses are partial ones. When they take place, the sun is only partly covered by the moon.
When a solar eclipse happens, it is observable from a fairly small area on the planet. Thus, when there is a solar eclipse in North America, it is highly unlikely that it will be visible in Africa or Australia. A solar eclipse only lasts for a few minutes since all three heavenly bodies are in continual motion. People must also take care when viewing a solar eclipse since looking directly at it can cause damage - including blindness - to their eyes.
Lunar eclipses happen when Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon. When this occurs, the planet blocks sunlight from reflecting off the moon. Lunar eclipses take place at night. During one, the moon appears very orange and is practically red in color. There are two different types of lunar eclipses. Taken together, the result is that lunar eclipses happen more frequently than solar eclipses. In addition, lunar eclipses may last for hours and can be seen from a wider area on the planet. There is no harm in directly observing a lunar eclipse either, so looking at one will not damage a person's eyes.
28. What is the passage mainly about?
A. How eclipses have affected history B. Two types of eclipses
C. The problems eclipses cause D. Solar eclipses
29. What is the word ‘spectacular’ in line 5 closest in meaning to?
A. distinct B. impressive C. lost lasting D. common
30. Why is the moon able to cover the sun during a solar eclipse?
A. Because of its large size B. Because of its brightness
C. Because of its closeness to Earth D. Because of its rotation
31. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about solar eclipses?
A. How they can harm people
B. How long they may last
C. How much of the sun cannot be seen during them
D. How often they happen
32. What can be inferred from the passage about lunar eclipses?
A. It is possible to see them from every-where in the world.
B. They are less dangerous to people than solar eclipses.
C. Superstitious people believe they bring bad luck.
D. During a full moon, they can be extremely bright.
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