Explain why eclipses do not occur every month.
Question:
Explain why eclipses do not occur every month.
Eclipse
In astronomy, an eclipse is the complete or partial obscuring of a celestial body by another. These celestial events occur when three celestial objects are aligned. There are two types of eclipse, the solar and lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when a portion of the Earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the Moon which fully or partially blocks sunlight while a lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow.
Answer and Explanation: 1
Become a Study.com member to unlock this answer! Create your account
View this answerA lunar eclipse happens only when the Moon enters the Earth's shadow. On the other hand, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow falls on the...
See full answer below.
Learn more about this topic:
from
Chapter 21 / Lesson 11Thanks to consistent lunar and solar cycles, ancient and modern astronomers have been able to predict eclipses. Learn about lunar and solar orbits, explore how we can predict an eclipse, and discover the Saros cycle.