7
QuizMultiple Choice

The Sun-Earth-Moon System — Quiz

Question 7 • Earth and Space Science

Which statements best explain why eclipses do not occur every full moon or new moon?

Answer
A
The Moon moves too quickly to align with Earth and the Sun every month.
B
The Moon’s phases sometimes skip directly from new moon to full moon.
C
The Moon’s orbit is tilted, so most months it passes above or below Earth’s shadow.
D
The Sun’s brightness changes, so some eclipses are too faint to see.

Explanation

The Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° compared with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Therefore, at most new moons and full moons, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are not lined up closely enough for an eclipse; the Moon passes above or below Earth’s shadow. Choice C correctly describes this tilt.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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