The Moon's orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun. As a result, the approximate number of solar eclipses that occur each year is approximately
A) 12.
B) 2.
C) 24.
D) 0.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's rays and casting a shadow on the Earth. However, because the Moon's orbit is tilted with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun, it usually passes above or below the Sun from our perspective on Earth. This means that we only see a solar eclipse when the alignment is just right. Given that the tilt of the Moon's orbit is about 5 degrees, it means that solar eclipses can only occur when the Moon passes through the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun. This occurs about twice a year, resulting in approximately 2 solar eclipses per year.

The Moon's Orbit Around the Earth Is Tilted by About