CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
Why can the Moon appear reddish during a total lunar eclipse?
A. The Moon produces red light internally
B. The Moon becomes hotter than the Sun
C. Mars reflects light onto the Moon
D. Earth's atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight into the shadow
Correct Answer: D
Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths and bends redder light toward the eclipsed Moon.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
Is it safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection?
A. Only through a camera viewfinder
B. Only with sunglasses
C. No
D. Yes, always
Correct Answer: C
Direct solar viewing can cause severe retinal injury; certified solar viewing protection is required.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
What is an annular solar eclipse?
A. A total eclipse caused by Earth
B. A solar flare
C. An eclipse in which the Moon appears too small to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring
D. A lunar eclipse lasting a year
Correct Answer: C
When the Moon is farther from Earth, its apparent disk may not fully cover the Sun.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
What is the penumbra?
A. A planet
B. A sunspot
C. The center of Earth
D. The lighter outer part of a shadow where the light source is only partly blocked
Correct Answer: D
Partial shadowing occurs in the penumbra.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
What is the umbra?
A. The brightest part of a star
B. The Moon's surface
C. A type of orbit only
D. The darkest central part of a shadow where the light source is fully blocked
Correct Answer: D
Observers in the umbra can experience total eclipse conditions.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
Why does an eclipse not occur every month?
A. Earth has no shadow
B. The Moon has no orbit
C. The Sun moves randomly
D. The Moon's orbital plane is tilted relative to Earth's orbital plane
Correct Answer: D
The Moon usually passes above or below the exact Sun-Earth alignment.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
During which lunar phase can a lunar eclipse occur?
A. Full moon
B. New moon
C. Waxing crescent only
D. First quarter
Correct Answer: A
The Moon must be opposite the Sun in the sky at full phase.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
During which lunar phase can a solar eclipse occur?
A. New moon
B. First quarter only
C. Third quarter only
D. Full moon
Correct Answer: A
The Moon must be near new phase to lie between Earth and Sun.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
What causes a lunar eclipse?
A. The Moon stops reflecting light
B. Venus blocks the Moon
C. The Moon passes between Earth and Sun
D. Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon
Correct Answer: D
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - General Science
Eclipses
What causes a solar eclipse?
A. Mars blocks the Sun
B. The Moon passes between Earth and the Sun
C. The Sun turns off
D. Earth passes between Moon and Sun
Correct Answer: B
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow falls on Earth.