Which eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon?

Which eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon?

• A. Solar Eclipse
• B. Annular Eclipse
• C. Partial Eclipse
• D. Lunar Eclipse

Answer: (D)

When Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, Earth's shadow can fall onto the Moon. That alignment creates a lunar eclipse, where the Moon appears darkened as it passes through Earth's umbra (the dark core of the shadow) or penumbra (the lighter outer part). If the Moon goes fully through the umbra, it’s a total lunar eclipse; if only part enters, it’s a partial lunar eclipse; and if only the penumbra is involved, it’s a penumbral lunar eclipse. This is distinct from solar eclipses, which happen when the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse where the Moon is too far away to fully cover the Sun, so a ring of Sun remains.

When Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, Earth's shadow can fall onto the Moon. That alignment creates a lunar eclipse, where the Moon appears darkened as it passes through Earth's umbra (the dark core of the shadow) or penumbra (the lighter outer part). If the Moon goes fully through the umbra, it’s a total lunar eclipse; if only part enters, it’s a partial lunar eclipse; and if only the penumbra is involved, it’s a penumbral lunar eclipse. This is distinct from solar eclipses, which happen when the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse where the Moon is too far away to fully cover the Sun, so a ring of Sun remains.