📚 Learning Guide
Lunar Eclipse Phases
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What is the correct sequence of events during a lunar eclipse, from the Moon entering the Earth's shadow to the end of the eclipse?

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Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Moon enters penumbra → Moon enters umbra → Moon exits umbra → Moon exits penumbra

B

Moon enters umbra → Moon enters penumbra → Moon exits penumbra → Moon exits umbra

C

Moon exits penumbra → Moon enters umbra → Moon enters penumbra → Moon exits umbra

D

Moon enters penumbra → Moon exits umbra → Moon enters umbra → Moon exits penumbra

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

During a lunar eclipse the Moon first moves into the Earth's umbral shadow, marking the start of the eclipse. As it travels deeper, the shadow’s edge (penumbra) gradually covers the Moon, turning it slightly darker. When the Moon reaches the center of the shadow, it becomes fully engulfed, often turning a reddish color because Earth's atmosphere bends some sunlight. The Moon then exits the shadow, brightening again as it leaves the penumbra, and finally disappears from the shadow entirely, ending the eclipse. For example, a total lunar eclipse lasts about 2–3 hours from first contact to the final exit.

Detailed Explanation

The Moon first enters the penumbra, where it starts to look slightly darker. Other options are incorrect because This answer flips the order; It starts with exiting the penumbra, which cannot happen first.

Key Concepts

Lunar Eclipse Phases
Earth's Shadow
Atmospheric Scattering
Topic

Lunar Eclipse Phases

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Practice Similar Questions

Test your understanding with related questions

1
Question 1

Arrange the following events in the correct sequence that leads to a lunar eclipse: A) The Earth casts a shadow on the Moon, B) The Sun, Earth, and Moon align, C) The Moon enters the Earth's shadow, D) The Moon is full.

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Practice
2
Question 2

Classify the following events as either a Solar Eclipse, Lunar Eclipse, or neither: 1) The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun; 2) The Earth casts a shadow on the Moon; 3) A full moon occurs without any shadowing; 4) The Moon is in the Earth's shadow during a full moon.

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3
Question 3

Which of the following statements accurately describe the conditions necessary for solar and lunar eclipses to occur? Select all that apply.

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4
Question 4

During a solar eclipse, which shadow of the Moon do you need to be in to experience a total eclipse?

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5
Question 5

During a solar eclipse, what part of the Moon's shadow allows some sunlight to reach the Earth?

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6
Question 6

Which of the following statements accurately describe the phases of a lunar eclipse? Select all that apply.

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7
Question 7

During a lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, and when it is completely within the darkest part of the shadow, it is said to be in the _____.

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8
Question 8

During a lunar eclipse, which phase of the Moon typically corresponds to the Earth casting its umbral shadow on the Moon?

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Question 9

During a lunar eclipse, why does the Moon sometimes appear red?

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10
Question 10

Earth's shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is to a penumbral shadow as a person's shadow under a tree is to what?

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Practice

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