Thematic Lists

On August 21, 2017, much of America stood still and looked up as a wide swath of the country experienced totality--a full solar eclipse. Even in areas outside the path of totality, people watched in awe as the moon cast its shadow on the sun. For most, this was simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not so for Shadia Habbal, who travels the world in search of solar eclipses in order to study the sun's corona. Solar wind and storms originating in the corona can have big effects on our planet. They can disrupt technology, expose aircraft to radiation, and even influence global climate change. In the months leading up to the 2017 eclipse, Shadia assembles a team of scientists to set up camp with her in Mitchell, Oregon. Years earlier, a long, expensive trip to Indonesia to study an eclipse failed when the skies remained too cloudy to see it. Shadia is determined to have the 2017 eclipse be a success. Will the computers fail? Will smoke from nearby fires change direction? Will the cloudy skies clear in time? Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they count down the months, days, hours, and finally minutes until totality.

Help youngsters understand the excitement about the recent solar eclipse with this charming and straightforward story about how eclipses of the Sun and Moon occur. Includes easy activities using ordinary items to make models and explores common questions kids have. This richly illustrated book tells how two curious children and their grandparents re-create eclipses in their living room using a lamp, a tennis ball, two Hula Hoops, and Ping-Pong balls. Later, in the backyard and around the house, the family explores safe ways to view a solar eclipse and ponders phenomena from sunspots to phases of the Moon. Written by the authors of NSTA's award-winning book Solar Science (link to this book can be found in the "Lesson Plan Materials" box), When the Sun Goes Dark gives children and adults hands-on techniques for learning the science behind eclipses of the Sun and Moon.

One of the most beautiful natural phenomena we can see here on Earth is that of solar and lunar eclipses. Through perfect orbital timing, these events can cause the Sun to disappear and darken the sky in the middle of the day or even to create an eerie red glow seemingly by magic. This book strips the magic away to provide the space science behind these incredible events.

This stunning meeting of poetic form and luminous artwork transports us out of the bounds of Earth, past a lunar eclipse, beyond the orbiting planets, and into glowing galaxies and twinkling constellations. Sally M. Walker uses her award-winning skill as a writer of nonfiction to explore space through clever haiku, accompanied by narrative explanations of wonders that are out of this world. Illustrator Matthew Trueman imagines the explosive Big Bang and awe-inspiring meteor showers in spectacular views that no telescope could offer. Comprehensive, well-researched back matter further explores such topics as constellations and astronomers, the birth of the universe, stars, the solar system, moons and eclipses, asteroids, meteors, and comets, as well as a glossary of terms, a bibliography, and online resources for readers with an eye to what lies beyond Earth.

Lightning! Rainbows! Auroras! Discover Earth's most amazing natural phenomena in this adventure around the globe. Follow two intrepid explorers as they witness the Northern Lights, marvel in wonder at glow worm caves, go hunting for double rainbows, and dodge volcanic lightning.

Through infographics and illustrations readers will learn about the unfathomably huge and fascinating topic of solar systems. Explore the galaxy that surrounds our planet through astounding numbers, facts, and figures. With Steve Jenkins's signature art style, his By the Numbers reader series explores the most fascinating fields of nature and natural science. These readers are fact-packed and run the gamut from dinosaurs to dwarf planets, detailing the astonishing phenomena that make our universe such an incredible place to live and learn. Each title uses engaging graphics and visual literacy to convey scientific facts and concepts, making them accessible for all kinds of new readers.

Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations. Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.

The moon is a mysterious, engaging subject. Your readers will learn why the moon looks different everyday as well as the names of its phases. They'll learn about its effect on tides and why eclipses occur.

Careful observation of the sun and moon can answer many questions we have about our planet. What causes day and night? Why do the seasons change? What causes the changing shape of the moon? How can you tell time by watching shadows from the sun? Robert Gardner guides young students in their observations, using simple science experiments. Detailed explanations follow the experiments to explain the science used in each experiment, along with unique ideas for their own science fair project. Supports the National Science Education Standards for K-4 Earth and Space Science.

Explains what causes eclipses of the sun and moon and describes how they have been viewed and studied at different times in history

Solar Science offers more than three dozen hands-on, inquiry-based activities on many fascinating aspects of solar astronomy. The activities cover the Sun' s motions, space weather caused by the Sun, the measurement of time and seasons in our daily lives, and much more. The authors are award-winning experts in both astronomy and science education, so they know just how to encourage students to work like scientists by asking questions, doing experiments, comparing notes, and refining and reporting results. They also know you have to make the most of every instructional minute. The book contains plenty of ideas for related writing projects; grade-appropriate math examples; and connections to music, art, fiction, and history. Solar Science is ideal for teachers, informal science educators, youth group leaders, curriculum specialists, and teacher trainers. You can use these versatile activities one at a time, as the basis of a stand-alone unit on the Sun, or as a comprehensive curriculum. You get to determine the best way for your students to learn a lot while having fun with the Sun.

Examining natural phenomena through the lens of ancient mythology and from the perspective of modern day science, this unique book encourages students to appreciate the magic in both myth and science. This twofold approach helps to clarify the commonality of all human experience with nature, across cultures and throughout time. Eight myths, each from a different cultural background, are accompanied by scientific explanations. By comparing the different explanations for such occurrences as comets, meteors, and eclipses, students will learn to appreciate the similarities in experiences of these phenomena, as well as the contrast between ancient and current comprehensions of the world. Helpful diagrams and engaging illustrations enhance student interest and understanding. Ideas for activities, projects, and field trips, along with lists of recommended bibliographies and websites, serve as springboards for further study. An invaluable resource for studies of science and ancient history, Wonders of the Sky provides a refreshing approach for students in school library, public library, and classroom settings. Grades 4-8
Includes a chapter related to eclipses

This course is designed to provide a non-technical description of modern astronomy, including the structure and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.
includes a lecture related to eclipses

Presents 12 lectures (ca. 30 min. each) by Edward M. Murphy on astronomy.
Includes a section that discusses eclipses

Volume 27, Issue 3 is entitled "Look Up"

Volume 45, Issue 3 is entitled "Eclipse 2024! A Celestial Spectacle"