Purchase Solution

Lunar eclipse and solar eclipse - Explanation

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

1. Explain what causes a lunar eclipse. Explain what causes a solar eclipse. Include a diagram. Why don't eclipses occur every month?

2. Describe the phase changes of the Earth that one would see if viewed from the Moon.

3. It is said that Newton unified Earth and the Universe. Explain.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Explanations with figures

Solution Preview

Please view the attached document.

Lunar eclipse can only occur at Full Moon and only if the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped components, one nested inside the other. The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the Sun's rays from reaching the Moon. In contrast, the inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.

There are three basic types of lunar eclipses:

1. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow.
These events are of only academic interest since they are subtle and quite difficult to observe.

2. Partial Lunar Eclipse
A portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow.
These events are easy to see, even with the unaided eye.

3. Total Lunar Eclipse
The entire Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow.
These events are quite striking for the ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.