Question

1. applying concepts why is it impossible for someone on earth, even with a powerful telescope, to see the surface features that cover the whole surface of the moon? 6. explain why eclipses do not occur much more frequently. 7. describe the positions of the sun, moon, and earth during a eclipse. explain what people on earth see and why.

Explanation:

1. The moon rotates on its axis at the same rate it orbits Earth, showing only one - side (the near - side) to Earth. The far - side is never visible from Earth without leaving Earth's vicinity.
2. Eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned. The moon's orbit is tilted about 5 degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the sun. This tilt means the three bodies are not often in a straight line for an eclipse.
3. In a solar eclipse, the moon is between the sun and Earth. People on Earth in the moon's shadow see the sun obscured by the moon. In a lunar eclipse, Earth is between the sun and the moon. People on Earth see the moon enter Earth's shadow as Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.

Answer:

1. The moon is tidally locked to Earth, always showing the same face to Earth, so the far - side surface features cannot be seen from Earth.
2. The moon's orbit is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the sun, so the sun, Earth, and moon are not often aligned for an eclipse.
3. Solar eclipse: Moon between sun and Earth; people in moon's shadow see sun obscured. Lunar eclipse: Earth between sun and moon; people see moon enter Earth's shadow.