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Introduction Notes

Total solar eclipse occurs when the earth, moon, and sun aligning such a way that, due to distance, the diameter of the moon appears to match that of the sun, blocking the earths view of the sun for a short period of time. This period of totality lasts an average of 13 minutes and gives astronomers a rare glimpse of phenomena such as the corona effect, sunspot activity, and the elusive shadowbands, without the need for the customary protective lenses. It affords the fortunate viewers who lie in the path of the shadow a moment of twilight and a chance to share in the splendor of some of heavens rarest jewels: Baileys Beads and the Diamond Ring effect.

Through the use of Internet we hope to link schools across the nation and perhaps the world in a simulated tracking of the moon's shadow, developing map models, and incorporating mathematics with an emphasis on geometry into computer lab and classroom activities. With any luck, our simulation may serve as a basis for tracking real eclipses in the future!

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