A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Moon does what?

Prepare for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to get you ready for exam success!

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon enters the Earth's shadow. This happens specifically during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line, with the Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, the Moon can appear to take on a reddish color due to Rayleigh scattering of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon often referred to as a "blood moon."

The other options do not accurately describe the conditions for a lunar eclipse. The Moon being between the Earth and the Sun describes a solar eclipse, while the Moon being in full view from Earth pertains to its regular phase during a full moon but doesn't indicate an eclipse. Lastly, the Moon's revolution around the Earth is part of its orbital dynamics but does not explain the occurrence of a lunar eclipse.

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