When does a lunar eclipse occur?a)During a new moon phaseb)During a fu...
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is in between the sun and the moon, and its shadow falls on the moon, which occurs during a full moon phase
When does a lunar eclipse occur?a)During a new moon phaseb)During a fu...
Lunar Eclipse Explained
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. This phenomenon can only happen during a specific phase of the Moon.
When Does it Occur?
- Full Moon Phase: A lunar eclipse can only take place during a full moon. This is when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.
- Alignment: For a lunar eclipse to happen, the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be in a straight line or very close to it. The Earth’s shadow is cast onto the Moon, leading to its darkening.
Types of Lunar Eclipses
- Total Lunar Eclipse: The entire Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), resulting in a reddish color often referred to as a "Blood Moon."
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only a part of the Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, causing a portion of the Moon to darken.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbra (the lighter part of the shadow), leading to a subtle shading on the Moon's surface.
Conclusion
In summary, a lunar eclipse occurs during the full moon phase when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon. Understanding this alignment helps explain why option 'B' is the correct answer.