Question 11 — Why do you think - Questions at the end of the chapter - Chapter 12 Class 7 - Earth, Moon, and the Sun (Curiosity)

Last updated at June 24, 2026 by

Q 11
Question

Why do you think lunar eclipses can be seen from a large part of the Earth when they happen, but total solar eclipse can be seen by only a small part of the Earth?

A wide lunar eclipse view and a narrow solar eclipse view.
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Answer
The Earth's shadow on the Moon is large, but the Moon's shadow on Earth is small.

Explanation

  • In a lunar eclipse, the whole night side of Earth can see the Moon.
  • So a lunar eclipse is seen from a large part of the Earth.
  • In a solar eclipse, the Moon's shadow is small.
  • So only a small area of the Earth sees a total solar eclipse.
A small Moon shadow limits the solar eclipse to a small area.
← Back to concept: 12.3.1 Solar eclipse
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