Background Information about Eclipses and the Sun

• Check out our Eclipse Links Page to find background information developed by other institutions for the general public, educators, and for students
• What to look for during a Total Solar Eclipse
• Compare photos of previous eclipses side-by-side in this interactive viewer
• What will the Sun look like during the eclipse? Views of the solar corona (Sun's upper atmosphere) during the peak and low point of the sunspot cycle
• Current views of the solar corona can provide a preview of the appearance of the corona during the eclipse
• Regions or "Parts" of the Sun
  • The Sun's Atmosphere
• The Sun's corona, which is seen during a total solar eclipse, is the start of the solar wind. Find out more about this solar wind and it's influence on Earth and other planets at the solar wind website.

Resources for Teachers and other Educators

• Eye on the Sky project includes eclipse and Sun lessons for educators of students in grades 3-5.
• Eclipses and Moon Phases Activity for 7 and 8th grade students (Activity is part of an Astronomy Teacher's Guide)
• Measuring Angular Size and Distance Activity for middle school students
• To have grade 6-12 students learn more about the magnetism of the Sun and its affects on Earth, visit the Exploring Magnetism page. 

Just for Fun

• Play the Solar Eclipse Memory Game