I think it's because the moon's orbit is on a 5.2 degree tilt. Please confirm this.
2007-04-11 09:32:21 · 5 answers · asked by C Z 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
What you are trying to say is that the moons ecliptic plane is not parallel to the Earth's ecliptic plane. You are correct in this. If it were, we would not only have a lunar eclipse, but a solar eclipse every month as well...and many months would have two since the lunar month is less than 30 or 31 days. The only month that would have only one would be February.
2007-04-11 09:50:05 · answer #1 · answered by Bruce D 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are right, it is the tilt. The Moon and Sun are only half a degree wide in the sky and they must both come the the same side of Earth when the Moon is at one of the nodes where the two cross. If they miss by more than half a degree, no eclipse.
2007-04-11 09:39:55 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are essentially correct. Often the moon passes above or below the sun. When that happens, during "new" moon, it is day, and the new moon is not visible in the day time sky.
The full moon (at the opposite side of the lunar month), IS frequently visible in the day sky.
2007-04-11 09:37:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is correct, and it is also connected to the Earth's axial tilt. Remember that the Moon's orbit is inclined with respect to the Earth's equatorial plane, which is itself inclined about 25 degrees from Earth's orbital plane.
2007-04-11 09:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Jason T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
BECAUSE IT DOESN'T!!!!
2007-04-11 10:03:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋