What conditions are required for a lunar eclipse?
A)The phase of the Moon must be full, and the Moon's orbital plane must lie in the ecliptic.
B)The phase of the Moon must be new, and the nodes of the Moon's orbit must be nearly aligned with Earth and the Sun.
C)The phase of the Moon must be full, and the nodes of the Moon's orbit must be nearly aligned with Earth and the Sun.
D)The phase of the Moon can be new or full, and the nodes of the Moon's orbit must be nearly aligned with Earth and the Sun.
E)The phase of the Moon must be new, and the Moon's orbital plane must lie in the ecliptic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a lunar eclipse to occur, the phase of the Moon must be full, and the nodes of the Moon's orbit must be nearly aligned with Earth and the Sun. This alignment allows the Earth to cast its shadow on the Moon, causing the eclipse. The Moon's orbital plane being in the ecliptic is not a sufficient condition for a lunar eclipse because it does not guarantee the necessary alignment between the Moon, Earth, and Sun. The phase of the Moon being new is also not sufficient for a lunar eclipse because the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and not in position to be in the Earth's shadow.

What Conditions Are Required for a Lunar Eclipse