Lunar Eclipse GCSE Physics Challenge

Lunar eclipse and red Moon GCSE Physics challenge

Can you get 100%? Use the partial lunar eclipse of 28 August 2026 to test your understanding of orbital alignment, shadows, visible light and why the eclipsed Moon can look red.

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Question

8 marks

Answer all four parts using complete physics explanations where asked.

1(a)

A lunar eclipse can happen when the Moon is full. State the order of the Sun, Earth and Moon during a lunar eclipse.

[1 mark]

1(b)

During the 28 August 2026 event, most but not all of the Moon entered Earth's umbra. Explain why an observer in the UK sees a partial lunar eclipse rather than a total lunar eclipse.

[2 marks]

1(c)

The eclipsed part of the Moon can look red or orange instead of completely black. White sunlight contains all the colours of visible light. As sunlight passes through the edge of Earth's atmosphere, shorter-wavelength blue and violet light is scattered more strongly than longer-wavelength red and orange light. Some of the remaining light is refracted into Earth's shadow and reaches the Moon. Use this information to explain why the eclipsed Moon can look red or orange.

[3 marks]

1(d)

It is safe to look at a lunar eclipse with unaided eyes, but it is not safe to look directly at a solar eclipse without a purpose-made solar viewer. Explain this difference.

[2 marks]

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