Question

Why does a lunar eclipse last for a few hours whereas a solar eclipse only lasts for a few minutes?

Select one:

a.
The moon takes more time to travel through the earth’s umbra.


b.
Because the moon is moving much more slowly than the sun.


c.
Solar and lunar eclipses actually last about the same time.


d.
Because the sun is stationary and the moon is moving.

Answer 1

The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moon's proximity to either node of its orbit. ... A total lunar eclipse can last up to nearly 2 hours, while a total solar eclipse lasts only up to a few minutes at any given place, due to the smaller size of the Moon's shadow.