Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun
B
The Earth passes directly between the Moon and the Sun
C
The Sun passes directly between the Earth and the Moon
D
The Moon is in a full phase during the eclipse
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun and blocks the Sun’s light from reaching part of the Earth. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted, so eclipses only happen when the Moon is near one of the two points where its orbit crosses the Sun–Earth line. When the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth, the Sun appears to shrink or disappear, creating a brightening or dimming of the sky. For example, on June 10, 2021, the Moon covered the Sun for viewers in parts of North America, turning daylight into twilight for a few minutes.
Detailed Explanation
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves so that it sits between the Earth and the Sun. Other options are incorrect because The idea that the Earth is between the Moon and Sun is how a lunar eclipse works; The Sun does not move between the Earth and Moon; it stays on one side while the Moon travels around the Earth.
Key Concepts
Solar Eclipses
Lunar Eclipses
Orbital Mechanics
Topic
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1What is the primary reason that solar and lunar eclipses do not occur every month?
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Practice
2
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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Practice
3
Question 3What is the primary cause of experiencing total darkness during a solar eclipse?
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Practice
4
Question 4Which of the following statements about the phases of a solar eclipse are true? (Select all that apply)
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Practice
5
Question 5What causes the appearance of Baily's Beads during a solar eclipse?
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Practice
6
Question 6Which of the following phenomena can be observed during a solar eclipse? (Select all that apply)
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Practice
7
Question 7What causes the Moon to appear red during a lunar eclipse?
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Practice
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