Question

For a solar eclipse to last longer, which condition must be satisfied?

• A. Moon should be farther away from Earth
• B. Earth stops rotating about its axis
• C. Moon moves closer to Earth
• D. Sun moves farther from Earth

Hint:

Angular size is inversely proportional to distance. Closer objects appear larger and cover background objects for a longer period during transit.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the orbital conditions that would maximize the duration of a total solar eclipse as seen from a specific point on Earth.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The duration of a solar eclipse depends on the angular size of the Moon relative to the Sun.
If the Moon is closer to the Earth (at or near perigee), its apparent angular diameter increases.
A "larger" Moon takes more time to pass across the disk of the Sun, thereby increasing the duration of totality.
Conversely, if the Moon is farther away (apogee), it appears smaller and may result in an annular eclipse or a very short total eclipse.

Step 3: Final Answer:
When the Moon moves closer to Earth, its apparent size increases, causing the solar eclipse to last longer.