A total eclipse of the moon can only occur during which phase of the moon?
A.
new moon
B.
first quarter
C.
full moon
D.
last quarter
C. full moon
A total eclipse of the moon can only occur during which phase of the moon?
A total eclipse of the moon can only occur during a full moon. Therefore, the correct answer is option C. full moon.
A total eclipse of the moon can only occur during a full moon.
To understand why this is the case, we need to know that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the direct sunlight from reaching the Moon and casts a shadow on it.
Now, let's consider the phases of the Moon. The Moon goes through a cycle of phases, which include the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.
During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. In this phase, the side of the Moon that faces the Earth is not illuminated by sunlight, making it appear dark. Since the Moon is not visible during a new moon, a total eclipse cannot occur.
During a first quarter, the Moon is at a 90-degree angle with respect to the line connecting the Earth and Sun. In this phase, only half of the Moon that faces the Earth is illuminated, and the other half is in darkness. A total eclipse cannot occur during a first quarter because the Earth and the Moon are not in alignment to create a shadow cast on the Moon.
During a last quarter, the Moon is again at a 90-degree angle with respect to the line connecting the Earth and Sun, but it is on the opposite side compared to the first quarter. Similar to the first quarter, only half of the Moon that faces the Earth is illuminated, and the other half is in darkness. Again, a total eclipse cannot happen during a last quarter because the alignment is not conducive to creating a shadow on the Moon.
However, during a full moon, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line, with the Earth positioned between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment allows the Earth to cast its shadow on the Moon, leading to a total eclipse.
So, the correct answer is C. full moon.