Lunar Eclipse Quiz

What causes a lunar eclipse?

• The moon blocks the sun's light from reaching the earth

• The earth's atmosphere creates a shadow on the moon

• The earth blocks some or all of the sun's direct light from reaching the moon

• The sun's light reflects off the moon's surface

How often does a lunar eclipse occur?

• Once every 29 and a half days

• Once every 365 days

• Once every 12 months

• Once every 10 years

What causes the moon to appear red during a total lunar eclipse?

• Refraction of longer, red wavelengths of light by the earth's atmosphere

• Reflection of sunlight off the moon's surface

• Presence of volcanic ash in the earth's atmosphere

• Scattering of shorter, blue wavelengths of light by the earth's atmosphere

How does a partial lunar eclipse differ from a total lunar eclipse?

• The moon does not appear red during a partial lunar eclipse

• Partial lunar eclipses can only be observed from certain parts of the earth

• Only part of the moon passes into earth's umbra during a partial lunar eclipse

• Partial lunar eclipses occur more frequently than total lunar eclipses

Why is it safe to look at the moon with the naked eye during a lunar eclipse?

• The moon's brightness is reduced during a lunar eclipse

• The moon's surface reflects less light during a lunar eclipse

• The moon is closer to the earth during a lunar eclipse

• The sun's harmful rays are blocked by the earth during a lunar eclipse