SAMPLE: Poetry

Physics 112 Interdisciplinary Project

Topic: eclipses

Background: For centuries, this type of astronomical event has been a source of fear, prophecy and wonder.

Process: Go to: http://www.firstscience.com/SITE/POEMS/hardy.asp and read "At A Lunar Eclipse", 1901, by Thomas Hardy. Use the poem's lines to help you answer the accompanying questions.

Questions:

1. a) How many times wider is the earth than the moon?

b) How much of the earth's shadow is described as being seen on the moon?

c) Should that portion of the earth's shadow be large enough to cover the moon?

d) Is all of the moon covered, line 3?

e) When does a total lunar eclipse occur?

2. How does Hardy characterize the moon's reflected light?

3. Why does he use the phrase "steals along"?

4. Define: monochrome.

5. Explain the phrase "sun-cast symmetry".

6. In the last three verses, Hardy describes his difficulty in reconciling same types of ideas. What are they?

7. What is suggested by "immense Mortality"?

8. In the last verse, how does Hardy describe humanity?

9. Diagram the creation of: a) a lunar eclipse b) a solar eclipse.