In a lunar eclipse, which body blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon?

In a lunar eclipse, which body blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon?

• A. The Sun
• B. The Moon
• C. The Earth
• D. Jupiter

Answer: (C)

When a lunar eclipse happens, the Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, so sunlight is blocked by Earth as the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow. This shadow has two parts—the dark umbra and the lighter penumbra—through which the Moon can pass, causing partial or total eclipses. The Sun remains the light source, and the Moon is the object being lit, but it’s Earth that blocks the light in this situation.

When a lunar eclipse happens, the Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, so sunlight is blocked by Earth as the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow. This shadow has two parts—the dark umbra and the lighter penumbra—through which the Moon can pass, causing partial or total eclipses. The Sun remains the light source, and the Moon is the object being lit, but it’s Earth that blocks the light in this situation.