Do planets cast shadows? if so how can we prove it?

Answer 1

Some good answers there.

Lunar eclipses are caused when the earth moves into the earth's shadow.

If you observed the moons of other planets (such as Jupiter) you can sometimes see them slipping into the shadow of their planet.

If you ever watch for 'iridium flares' (cf Google), often you will see them blink out as the Iridium satellite passes into the earth's shadow.

And yes it definitely is dark at night because we are standing in the shadow cast by the earth!

Answer 2

Every object casts a shadow if it is under/in some form or path of light. Earth casts a shadow on the lunar surface of the moon, and other planets cast shadows on the surface of space debris and rock. If a planet has a moon(s), it is most likely that a shadow is casted on it's lunar surface.

Answer 3

Just to add to the previous replies, watch Jupiter for some really good evidence of shadows being cast by planets and moons. Some of Jupiter's moons will seem to disappear as they pass into Jupiter's shadow, and some of them will cast shadows onto Jupiter as they pass in front of it. Or you could look at Saturn. If the angles are right you can see its shadow cast on the rings. You can see that very celarly in pictures taken by the Voyager and Cassini probes.

Answer 4

All solid objects cast shadows (unless they are transparent). Just look at their moons when they pass behind the planet.

Answer 5

Wait until tonight then go outside. The night is caused by the shadow of the Earth and you are standing in that shadow.

Answer 6

Sure they do. In fact, our planet, Earth, cast shadows frecuently on the lunar surface (moon) where we call such events "partial or total eclipse".