When do total lunar eclipses occur?(1 point)
Responses
infrequently during the new moon
infrequently during the new moon
infrequently during the full moon
infrequently during the full moon
every month during the full moon
every month during the full moon
every month during the new moon
every month during the new moon
infrequently during the full moon
Total lunar eclipses occur infrequently during the full moon.
Total lunar eclipses occur infrequently during the full moon. To understand why, let's start with some basic information about lunar eclipses.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This can only occur when the Moon is in its full phase because that's when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.
However, not every full moon results in a lunar eclipse. This is because the Moon's orbit is tilted relative to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The Moon's orbit is an inclined plane, and the Earth's shadow is usually slightly above or below the Moon's path.
Therefore, for a total lunar eclipse to occur, the Sun, Earth, and Moon need to be in precise alignment. This alignment happens less frequently, which is why total lunar eclipses occur infrequently during the full moon.
It's important to note that although total lunar eclipses occur less frequently, partial or penumbral lunar eclipses (where only part of the Moon is dimmed or shadowed) can occur more often.
So, the correct answer to the question is: total lunar eclipses occur infrequently during the full moon.