What occurs during a lunar eclipse?

During a lunar eclipse, the correct phenomenon involves the Moon passing through the Earth's shadow. This occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to be cast onto the Moon’s surface. As the Earth blocks sunlight that would normally illuminate the Moon, we observe the Moon taking on a darker hue or even appearing reddish, which is often referred to as a "blood moon." This event can only happen during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line or nearly so.

The other options refer to different celestial scenarios that do not pertain specifically to lunar eclipses. For example, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's light; however, this does not describe a lunar eclipse. The reference to the Earth and Moon moving through shadows or orbits incorrectly describes the interactions involved during a lunar eclipse. Understanding the alignment and shadow dynamics between the Earth, Moon, and Sun is crucial in grasping why the given answer accurately represents the condition of a lunar eclipse.