Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon.
B
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in the Earth's shadow.
C
Eclipses can only happen during a full moon.
D
The tilt of the Moon's orbit affects the frequency of eclipses.
E
Solar eclipses can only be viewed from certain locations on Earth.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
An eclipse happens only when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, which can only happen at the Moon’s two orbital nodes where its orbit crosses the Earth‑Sun plane. For a solar eclipse the Moon must be a new moon and lie between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun’s light. For a lunar eclipse the Moon must be full and the Earth must stand between the Sun and Moon, casting Earth’s shadow on the Moon. Thus eclipses occur only at new or full moon when the Moon is near a node, ensuring the three bodies are nearly collinear.
Detailed Explanation
A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow, so it looks darkened. Other options are incorrect because The idea that Earth blocks the Sun and Moon is a mix‑up; Thinking eclipses only happen during a full Moon ignores that solar eclipses occur at new Moons.
Key Concepts
Eclipses
Celestial Mechanics
Orbital Geometry
Topic
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Which of the following statements about the formation of the Solar System are correct? (Select all that apply)
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2
Question 2What is the primary reason that solar and lunar eclipses do not occur every month?
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3
Question 3What causes a solar eclipse to occur?
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4
Question 4During 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 5Which of the following statements about the phases of a solar eclipse are true? (Select all that apply)
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6
Question 6During a solar eclipse, what part of the Moon's shadow allows some sunlight to reach the Earth?
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7
Question 7Which of the following phenomena can be observed during a solar eclipse? (Select all that apply)
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8
Question 8What 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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9
Question 9Which of the following statements accurately describe the phases of a lunar eclipse? Select all that apply.
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