Question

Which of the following arrangements could practically result in an eclipse visible from Earth?

• A. Only 1 and 4
• B. All of them
• C. Only 1, 3, and 4
• D. Only 2 and 3

Answer 1

The correct option is D Only 2 and 3

Only the arrangements 2 and 3 would cause an eclipse which can be seen from Earth:

• $\text{Earth}-\text{Moon}-\text{Sun}\Rightarrow$ When the Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun, the Sun cannot be seen completely or partially by the people falling in the shadow of the Moon on Earth, thus resulting in a total or partial solar eclipse.
• $\text{Moon}-\text{Earth}-\text{Sun}\Rightarrow$ When the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon, the Moon cannot be seen completely or partially by the people on the side of the Earth facing the Moon, thus resulting in a total or partial lunar eclipse.

The other arrangements are impossible in reality because the Sun can never be in between the Earth and the Moon, as the Earth revolves around the Sun with the Moon revolving around it. Therefore, there is no meaning or possibility of an eclipse in arrangements 1 and 4.