Solar and lunar eclipses are rare because the Moon's orbital plane is tipped by:
A) 5.2° relative to the plane defined by Earth's equator.
B) 5.2° relative to Earth's orbital plane.
C) 23.5° relative to the plane defined by Earth's equator.
D) 23.5° relative to Earth's orbital plane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Moon's orbital plane is tipped about 5.2° relative to Earth's orbital plane around the Sun, not the plane defined by Earth's equator or any other angle. This inclination means that the Moon's shadow does not always fall on Earth during new moons (solar eclipses) nor does Earth's shadow always fall on the Moon during full moons (lunar eclipses), making such eclipses relatively rare events.

Solar and Lunar Eclipses Are Rare Because the Moon's Orbital