If the Moon's average orbital distance from the earth were tripled, then solar eclipses would... (Hint: use Kepler's third law-an orbit three times as big will take ...) occasionally be total, but would last exactly three times as long. occur as often as now, but would last only a third as long. never be total, but would last exactly three times as long. never be total, but would last more than three times as long. be total more often, but would last only a third as long..