Question

Which statements about eclipses are true? Check all that apply.

Earth’s shadow creates a solar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse has a reddish color.
The moon moves between Earth and the Sun during a solar eclipse.
A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon.
During a partial solar eclipse, half of the moon is covered by Earth.
A solar eclipse occurs during a full moon.

Answer 1

True:
- A total lunar eclipse has a reddish color. (Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light and refracts red light onto the Moon.)
- The moon moves between Earth and the Sun during a solar eclipse. (That places the Moon’s shadow on Earth.)
- A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon. (Earth must be between Sun and Moon, so the Moon is full.)

False:
- Earth’s shadow creates a solar eclipse. (Earth’s shadow causes lunar eclipses; a solar eclipse is caused by the Moon’s shadow on Earth.)
- During a partial solar eclipse, half of the moon is covered by Earth. (A partial solar eclipse means part of the Sun is blocked by the Moon; the Moon is not covered by Earth.)
- A solar eclipse occurs during a full moon. (Solar eclipses occur at new moon.)