Geometrical Optics of Eclipses Assessments

This resource includes two sets of questions to use with students: one set includes selected response questions to test specific concepts relating to geometrical optics (factors that affect the size of the umbra and penumbra, apparent and angular size of an object or image). The other set includes open-ended homework prompts to encourage students to reveal their thinking about the geometry of eclipses and the duration of the "eclipse season." These questions are appropriate for university introductory astronomy and physics courses in which eclipses are discussed in the context of orbital motion.