Science & Technology
The Great Cosmic Shadow in August 2026
8 Jun 2026
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Warm-up → Read & Listen → Check Understanding → Language → Use It
WARM UP
Think Ahead: Which detail do you think appears in this story?
a) The sun will turn bright blue for a whole day.
b) The moon will completely block the sun in August 2026.
c) A spaceship will land on the moon during the summer.
Ask:
(1) Have you ever seen an eclipse or looked at the moon at night?
(2) What do you think happens when the sky turns dark during the day?
VOCABULARY
eclipse /ɪˈklɪps/
noun
moon /muːn/
noun
sun /sʌn/
noun
shadow /ˈʃædəʊ/
noun
dark /dɑːk/
adjective
sky /skaɪ/
noun
When the moon blocks the light of the sun.
Example: We can see a total solar eclipse in August.
The round object that moves around the Earth.
Example: The moon moves in front of the sun.
The bright star that gives light to the Earth.
Example: The sun is very hot and bright.
A dark shape made when something blocks light.
Example: The moon throws a long shadow on Earth.
With little or no light.
Example: The sky becomes dark during an eclipse.
The space above the Earth where clouds and stars are.
Example: Look up at the beautiful blue sky.
An exciting space event is coming on Wednesday 12 August 2026. A total solar eclipse will happen in the sky. This special event occurs when the moon travels between the Earth and the sun. When this happens, the moon blocks the hot sun completely. Then, the moon casts a large shadow on our planet. For a short time, the daytime sky turns dark.
People in beautiful Greenland and chilly Iceland can see it. The shadow also moves across northern Spain. In these places, the sun will disappear for over two minutes. It will look like night-time during the day! Many families are planning trips to see this wonderful sight. Remember, you must always wear special protective glasses to look at the sun safely. It is a brilliant space show you do not want to miss.
Listen
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Would you like to see a total solar eclipse?
2. Which country from the story would you visit to see the shadow?
3. Why is it dangerous to look directly at the sun?
4. How would you feel if the daytime sky suddenly became dark?
5. What special things do we need to wear to watch the eclipse?
6. Do you prefer looking at the sun or looking at the moon?
FILL IN THE GAPS
Section 1: Fill in the Gaps
Word Bank: eclipse, moon, shadow, dark
An exciting space event is coming on Wednesday 12 August 2026. A total solar _______(1) will happen in the sky. This special event occurs when the _______(2) travels between the Earth and the sun. When this happens, the moon blocks the hot sun completely. Then, the moon casts a large _______(3) on our planet. For a short time, the daytime sky turns _______(4). People in beautiful Greenland and chilly Iceland can see it. The shadow also moves across northern Spain. In these places, the sun will disappear for over two minutes. It will look like night-time during the day! Many families are planning trips to see this wonderful sight. Remember, you must always wear special protective glasses to look at the sun safely. It is a brilliant space show you do not want to miss.
Section 2: Main Idea
What is the main idea of this article?
a) People are travelling to space to see the stars.
b) A special solar eclipse will make the sky dark in August 2026.
c) Greenland is the coldest place in the world.
UNDERSTANDING
Section 3: True and False
1. The solar eclipse will happen on a Friday. T/F
2. The sky turns dark during a total solar eclipse. T/F
3. You can safely look at the sun without special glasses. T/F
Section 4: Put Events in Order
Number the events from 1 to 3 to put them in the correct order:
A. The moon blocks the hot sun completely________
B. The daytime sky turns dark for a short time ________
C. The moon travels between the Earth and the sun ________
LANGUAGE
Section 5: Vocab Match
1. sun
2. sky
3. shadow
4. dark
a) With little or no light
b) A dark shape made when something blocks light
c) The bright star that gives light to the Earth
d) The space above the Earth where clouds are
USE IT
Section 6: Discussion Builder
1. I think the solar eclipse will look very _______ because the sky turns dark.
a) boring b) beautiful c) yellow
2. My family wants to _______ to Spain to see this amazing event.
a) travel b) sleep c) eat
Section 7: Sentence Unscramble
Unscramble the sentence parts to make a correct sentence:
1. A) will happen B) solar eclipse C) in the sky D) A total E) in August.
2. A) must wear B) You C) special glasses D) look safely E) to.
ANSWER KEY
Warm Up
Answer: b
Section 1: Fill in the Gaps
(1) eclipse
(2) moon
(3) shadow
(4) dark
Section 2: Main Idea
b
Section 3: True and False
1. False
2. True
3. False
Section 4: Put Events in Order
1. C
2. A
3. B
Section 5: Vocab Match
1. c
2. d
3. b
4. a
Section 6: Discussion Builder
1. b
2. a
Section 7: Sentence Unscramble
1. D, B, A, C, E (A total solar eclipse will happen in the sky in August.)
2. B, A, C, E, D (You must wear special glasses to look safely.)