Question

A total solar eclipse is a rare event. Although they occur somewhere on Earth every 18 months on average, it is estimated that they recur at any given place only once every 370 years. Why are reoccurring solar eclipses so rare?
A Because of the rotation of the moon and earth, the three rarely form a straight line.
B The light from the sun usually passes through the moon instead of being blocked by it.
C A total solar eclipse actually occurs monthly, but is only visible from the the equator.
D The Moon passes slightly above or below the line between the Sun and the Earth because of its tilted orbit.
Skip to navigation
© Progress Learning 2026, All Rights Reserved.
Terms
|
Privacy
PHONE [phone]
|
FAX 1-877-81

Answer 1

D

The Moon's orbit is tilted about 5° relative to Earth's orbit (the ecliptic), so at most new moons the Moon passes above or below the Sun as seen from Earth and no eclipse occurs. Only when the Moon is near one of its orbital nodes at new moon does its shadow hit Earth, and the Moon's umbral shadow is very small on Earth's surface, so the narrow path of totality only crosses any given place very rarely.