This video-based resource takes a look at the 1991 solar eclipse from the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. It was called the "eclipse of the century" because it was the first time the path of a total solar eclipse crossed over a major astronomical observatory. The Moon's umbra and penumbra can be viewed with remarkable clarity. The perfect overlap of sun and moon during a total eclipse is something that doesn't occur elsewhere in the solar system -- the video explains this unique orbital geometry. Watch as the eclipse begins with "First Contact" and hold your breath as cloud cover threatens to obscure everything. The telescope-generated image is breathtaking. Resource includes background information and discussion questions.

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This 10-minute video features astronomer Phil Plait giving a breakdown of what happens in both solar and lunar eclipse events. It gives a well-crafted explanation of how eclipses are related to the ecliptic planes of orbiting objects. And if students aren't clear about the differences between solar and lunar eclipses, they will be after watching the video. Appropriate for 9th grade Physical Science and conceptual physics courses.

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This animation from Penn State depicts the Earth/Sun/Moon system, showing the orbit of the Earth/Moon system around the sun. The shadows cast by Earth and Moon are clearly shown. Caveat: You will want to watch the animation at least 2 times to observe how the ecliptic plane of the Moon affects the shadows. Only if the conditions are perfectly aligned will a solar eclipse occur. If the Earth's orbit were perfectly aligned with the Moon's, we'd get a solar eclipse every new moon and a lunar eclipse every full moon. But we don't. The Moon is tilted about 5 degrees with respect to the Earth's ecliptic plane. This animation will help students visualize the somewhat complex geometry of eclipse phenomena on Earth.

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Want to extend your eclipse lesson and have some fun? This page features a collection of 13 short animations on lunar eclipse phenomena, 4 of which are narrated. The image to the right shows why the Moon turns red during a lunar eclipse: as light from the sun passes by Earth's atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (like blue) are scattered. By the time the light finishes its trip to the Moon, only longer wavelengths (red and orange) remain. You'll also find animations of light scattering as it would appear from the Moon; the total eclipse of June, 2011; versions for viewing a lunar eclipse in 3D format; and more.

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