A lunar eclipse always happens at full moon because it's only when the sun is directly on the other side of Earth that the moon can move into the shadow of the Earth. When the sun and moon are at opposite sides, it's a full moon because the sun is shining on the entire moon (unless it gets into Earths shadow). The same sort of logic holds for new moons and solar eclipses. -- Joe On Feb 20, 2008, at 1:09 PM, Ann Blanchard wrote:
I'm sure this is an obvious question for you folks, but why is the lunar eclipse always at a full moon? (We may not get to see it tonight, but I'd love to at least learn something). Thanks for putting up with what I'm cringing to think is a dumb question.
Ann M. Blanchard
Executive Assistant to the Associate VP
Undergraduate Studies
110 Sill
University of Utah
(801) 581-3188
a.blanchard@ugs.utah.edu
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