Multiple choice

Why does a solar eclipse last for a short time only?

  1. Earth's shadow covers only a small portion of the sun.

  2. Earth moves quickly in its orbit.

  3. The moon has to pass the shadow of the sun.

  4. The moon's shadow covers only a small portion of the sun.

  5. The moon's shadow covers only a small portion of Earth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The moon's shadow covers only a small portion of Earth, where the eclipse is visible. As the moon moves in its orbit (at 1 km/hr), the position of the shadow changes very quickly.

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