If the moon's orbital plane was aligned with the celestial equator we could
A) have eclipses every month.
B) never have eclipses.
C) have eclipses only at solstice.
D) have eclipses only at the equinoxes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the moon's orbital plane was aligned with the celestial equator, we would have eclipses only at the equinoxes. This is because at the equinoxes, the sun is directly above the equator, so the moon's path would intersect the sun's path, creating the potential for eclipses. However, at the solstices, the sun is further away from the equator and the moon's path would not intersect with the sun's path. Having eclipses every month would require the moon's orbital plane to be aligned with the ecliptic, which is tilted at an angle of about 5 degrees to the celestial equator.

If the Moon's Orbital Plane Was Aligned with the Celestial