Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, allowing only red light to reach the Moon.
B
The Moon is reflecting the Earth's light back to us.
C
The Earth's shadow completely blocks all sunlight from reaching the Moon.
D
The surface of the Moon changes color during a lunar eclipse.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
During a lunar eclipse the Moon is illuminated only by sunlight that has passed through the Earth’s atmosphere, because the Earth blocks the direct beam. The atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths, so the light that reaches the Moon is mostly the longer red wavelengths. This scattered, red‑shifted light is what falls on the Moon, giving it a reddish appearance. For example, when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, it looks like a warm orange‑red coin rather than the usual bright white. This effect is similar to why sunsets on Earth appear red.
Detailed Explanation
When Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, sunlight must travel through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the Moon. Other options are incorrect because Many think the Moon is reflecting Earth’s light during an eclipse; Some believe the Earth’s shadow completely blocks sunlight.
Key Concepts
Lunar Eclipse
Atmospheric Scattering
Light Wavelengths
Topic
Lunar Eclipse Phases
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
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1
Question 1What causes a solar eclipse to occur?
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Question 2Which of the following statements accurately describe the conditions necessary for solar and lunar eclipses to occur? Select all that apply.
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Question 3During a solar eclipse, which of the following phenomena involves the appearance of bright spots along the edge of the Moon?
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4
Question 4What 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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5
Question 5During a lunar eclipse, a group of students observes the Moon gradually changing color as it passes through the Earth's shadow. One student thinks that this color change is due to the Moon being illuminated by other stars. Which explanation best describes why the Moon appears red during a lunar eclipse?
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Question 6During a lunar eclipse, why does the Moon sometimes appear red?
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Question 7During a lunar eclipse, why does the Moon sometimes appear red instead of simply darkening?
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