Question

Why is a total solar eclipse less probable to be seen than a total lunar eclipse?

• A.
  
  Full Moon occurs more frequently than new Moon.
• B.
  During a solar eclipse, the Moon's umbra covers only a small portion of Earth surface.
• C.
  
  During a solar eclipse, the Moon's shadow covers all of the Earth surface.
• D.
  During a lunar eclipse,the Earth's shadow covers only a small portion of the Moon surface.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

During a solar eclipse, the Moon's umbra covers only a small portion of Earth surface.
Lunar eclipses are more frequently visible because during a lunar eclipse, Earth casts a much bigger shadow on the Moon than the Moon casts during a solar eclipse on Earth. The reason solar eclipses are so rare is that the umbra of the Moon rarely hits the surface of the Earth. Even during a total solar eclipse, a small area on Earth is covered by the umbra.