What type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's umbra?

What type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's umbra?

• A. Solar
• B. Lunar
• C. Partial
• D. Total

Answer: (B)

When the Moon travels into Earth's shadow, you’re seeing a lunar eclipse. The dark core of that shadow is called the umbra, so if the Moon passes through it, sunlight is blocked from reaching the Moon and observers on Earth see the Moon darken. If the Moon goes entirely through the umbra, the eclipse is total; if only part of it goes through, it’s a partial lunar eclipse. Solar eclipses are the opposite scenario, where the Moon sits between the Sun and Earth and blocks sunlight from reaching parts of Earth. So the event described is a lunar eclipse.

When the Moon travels into Earth's shadow, you’re seeing a lunar eclipse. The dark core of that shadow is called the umbra, so if the Moon passes through it, sunlight is blocked from reaching the Moon and observers on Earth see the Moon darken. If the Moon goes entirely through the umbra, the eclipse is total; if only part of it goes through, it’s a partial lunar eclipse. Solar eclipses are the opposite scenario, where the Moon sits between the Sun and Earth and blocks sunlight from reaching parts of Earth. So the event described is a lunar eclipse.