Which one of the following best explains the occurrence of the solar e...
A solar eclipse is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and when the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. This can happen only at new moon when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction.
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Which one of the following best explains the occurrence of the solar e...
Position of the Moon on a new moon:
- During a solar eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the sunlight from reaching the Earth.
- A solar eclipse occurs during a new moon, when the Moon is positioned directly between the Sun and the Earth.
- The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth in a straight line causes the Moon to cast a shadow on the Earth, leading to the solar eclipse.
Explanation:
- When the Moon is in its new moon phase, it crosses the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun, known as the ecliptic.
- The Moon's shadow has two parts: the umbra, where the Sun is completely blocked, and the penumbra, where the Sun is partially blocked.
- During a total solar eclipse, the umbra of the Moon's shadow falls on a small area of the Earth, creating a path of totality where the Sun is completely blocked.
- People within the path of totality experience a total solar eclipse, while those outside the path witness a partial solar eclipse.
Conclusion:
- Therefore, the occurrence of a solar eclipse is best explained by the position of the Moon between the Sun and the Earth during a new moon phase. This alignment creates the conditions necessary for the Moon to block the sunlight and cast a shadow on the Earth, leading to the phenomenon of a solar eclipse.