How have repeated scientific observations of lunar eclipses provided evidence that Earth is spherical?

Question

Lunar eclipses do not provide evidence that Earth is spherical, but does provide evidence that the moon is spherical.

Lunar eclipses viewed from all over the globe show the shadow of Earth is a curve.

Lunar eclipses have been viewed all over the world.

Lunar eclipses have only been viewed in certain sports around the world.

Answer 1

Repeated scientific observations of lunar eclipses provide evidence that Earth is spherical primarily because during a lunar eclipse, the shadow of Earth cast on the Moon is always curved. This is observable from anywhere on the Earth where the eclipse is visible. Regardless of the observer's location, the Earth’s shadow appears as a round arc, which supports the conclusion that Earth is a sphere.

So, the correct statement would be:

Lunar eclipses viewed from all over the globe show the shadow of Earth is a curve.

This consistent, curved shadow observed during lunar eclipses is one among the many observations that led to the understanding that Earth is not flat but spherical.