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Solar and Lunar Eclipses
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During a school science project, a student is tasked with explaining why solar eclipses do not happen every month despite the Moon orbiting the Earth regularly. Which explanation best captures the reason for this phenomenon?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
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Review Options
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Choose AnswerChoose the Best Answer

A

The Moon's orbit is tilted relative to Earth's orbit, so it only occasionally aligns perfectly with the Sun.

B

Solar eclipses are only possible during the full moon phase, which is why they are rare.

C

The Sun's position changes every month, making it impossible for the Moon to block it regularly.

D

Solar eclipses can only happen when the Earth is at a specific distance from the Sun.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

The Moon’s path around the Earth is tilted about five degrees from the line that holds the Sun, Earth, and Moon together. Other options are incorrect because This mixes up the phases of the Moon; It assumes the Sun moves a lot each month, but the Sun is so far away that its direction hardly shifts.

Key Concepts

Eclipses
Orbital Mechanics
Phases of the Moon
Topic

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Deep Dive: Solar and Lunar Eclipses

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Definition
Definition

Solar and lunar eclipses occur due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, leading to shadows being cast on either the Earth or the Moon. The phenomenon is a result of the Moon's orbit being tilted with respect to Earth's orbit, causing occasional alignments that result in eclipses.

Topic Definition

Solar and lunar eclipses occur due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, leading to shadows being cast on either the Earth or the Moon. The phenomenon is a result of the Moon's orbit being tilted with respect to Earth's orbit, causing occasional alignments that result in eclipses.

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