Key Idea.
Section 1
The Orbital Tilt
The Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. They do not sit on the same flat plane.
This tilt means that during most Full Moons, the Moon is physically located slightly above or below Earth's shadow. Sunlight passes Earth and still hits the Moon.
Section 2
The Conditions for an Eclipse
A Lunar Eclipse only occurs when two difficult conditions meet:
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Section 1
The Orbital Tilt
The Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. They do not sit on the same flat plane.
This tilt means that during most Full Moons, the Moon is physically located slightly above or below Earth's shadow. Sunlight passes Earth and still hits the Moon.
Section 2
The Conditions for an Eclipse
A Lunar Eclipse only occurs when two difficult conditions meet:
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter