Question

question
select the correct answer.
what causes the moon to appear red during a total lunar eclipse?
reflection of the sunlight by the earths atmosphere
refraction of sunlight by the earths atmosphere
earths shadow on the moon
suns shadow on the moon

Explanation:

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is in Earth's shadow. However, some sunlight still reaches the Moon. Earth's atmosphere refracts (bends) sunlight. Shorter - wavelength light (like blue) is scattered more, while longer - wavelength red light is refracted towards the Moon. This gives the Moon a red appearance. Reflection of sunlight by Earth's atmosphere is not the main cause. Earth's shadow on the Moon is just the general situation of the eclipse, not the cause of the red color. The Sun's shadow on the Moon is not relevant as the Sun is the source of light.

Answer:

refraction of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere