What is the reason the moon does not often get in Earth's shadow and what is an eclipse?
Understand the Problem
The question is discussing the orbits of the Earth and the Moon, specifically focusing on the tilt of the Moon's orbit and its effects, such as eclipses. It seeks to understand why eclipses do not occur frequently due to the Moon's orientation and shadow movements.
Answer
Tilt of Moon's orbit; Eclipse occurs when shadows cover celestial bodies.
The reason the Moon does not often get in Earth's shadow is due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit around Earth relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. An eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow covers part of Earth or when Earth's shadow covers part of the Moon.
Answer for screen readers
The reason the Moon does not often get in Earth's shadow is due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit around Earth relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. An eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow covers part of Earth or when Earth's shadow covers part of the Moon.
More Information
The Moon's orbit is tilted about 5 degrees to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes the Moon to usually pass above or below the Earth’s shadow.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that eclipses occur every new or full moon, which isn't true due to the orbital tilt.
Sources
- Why Do Eclipses Happen? - NASA Science - science.nasa.gov
- Why is there no eclipse every full and new moon? - EarthSky - earthsky.org
