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How often do eclipse seasons happen each year?

User Bolkay
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Final answer:

Eclipse seasons happen twice each year due to the 5° tilt in the Moon's orbit. During these seasons, we can experience both solar and lunar eclipses, with solar eclipses requiring precise alignment and lunar eclipses visible across half of the Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eclipse seasons occur twice each year because of the tilt of the Moon’s orbit relative to Earth’s orbital plane. This tilt is approximately 5°, causing most months to pass without an eclipse. However, when the paths of the Moon and Sun do cross, an eclipse season ensues, making eclipses possible.

During an eclipse season, we may witness both solar and lunar eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, while a lunar eclipse happens when the Moon enters Earth's shadow. The spectacular nature of these events, particularly total solar eclipses, has led to the practice of 'eclipse chasing.' Total lunar eclipses occur more regularly, approximately once every two or three years, and are visible across an entire hemisphere.

User Nathan Wilson
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