A Total Lunar Eclipse Can Last More Than an Hour

question 51

Multiple Choice

A total lunar eclipse can last more than an hour and a half, but a total solar eclipse never lasts more than 7 1/2 minutes. What is the principal cause of the difference?

• A) A total solar eclipse always occurs when the Moon is at perigee; it is moving fastest at that time.
• B) A total solar eclipse always occurs when Earth is at perihelion; it is moving fastest at that time.
• C) Both Earth and the Moon move clockwise in their orbits, as seen from the north. Thus, during a solar eclipse, Earth and Moon are moving in opposite directions, and during a lunar eclipse, they are moving in the same direction.
• D) Earth's shadow at the Moon's distance is much larger than the Moon's shadow at Earth's distance. As Earth rotates, this narrow lunar shadow sweeps quickly over any given spot.

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