Lunar & Solar Eclipses

The moon's orbit around Earth is slightly tilted with respect to the orbit around the sun. As a result, the moon travels above and below Earth's orbit. But on rare occasions, Earth, the moon, and the sun line up. THE BASICS:

Penumbra and Umbra Umbra- the central, darker part of the shadow where light is totally blocked. Penumbra- the lighter part of a shadow where light is partially blocked.

Two Types of Eclipses: SOLAR From the Latin word "sun" LUNAR From the Latin word "moon"

SOLAR ECLIPSES During a new moon, the moon lies between Earth and the sun. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight from Earth. The moon's shadow then hits Earth. You can only see a solar eclipse if you are in the path of the umbra or penumbra. If you are outside the umbra and penumbra, you cannot see the eclipse at all.

Two Types of Solar Eclipses TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE You can only see a total solar eclipse if you are within the moon's umbra. During a total solar eclipse, the moon appears to completely cover the sun. The sky becomes dark, and you can see stars. A total solar eclipse lasts about 7 minutes. You can see a partial solar eclipse if you are within the moon's penumbra. The moon never completely covers the sun during a partial solar eclipse.

Total Solar Eclipse from Earth (in the umbra) The view of a solar eclipse from space. Partial Solar Eclipse from Earth (in the penumbra)

Lunar Eclipse Earth also casts a shadow into space. As the moon revolves around Earth, it sometimes moves into Earth's shadow. When this happens, we get a lunar eclipse. (The Earth is between the moon and sun) During a lunar eclipse, Earth is in a line between the sun and moon. This can only happen during the full moon phase.

Just like the moon, Earth's shadow also has an umbra and a penumbra. Different types of lunar eclipses occur depending on which part of Earth's shadow the moon moves through.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be seen from any place on Earth where it is nighttime.

Two Types of Lunar Eclipses TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE When the entire moon moves through the Earth's umbra. You can still see the moon here, but some of the light reflects off Earth's atmosphere/sunlight which gives the moon a reddish tint during a total lunar eclipse. When only part of the moon passes through the Earth's umbra. The moon is never completely covered by Earth's umbra. The part of the moon in the Earth's umbra appears much darker.

Partial Lunar Eclipses (part of the moon is in Earth's umbra) Total Lunar Eclipse where the entire moon is in the Earth's shadow. Light reflecting makes it look red.

Why don't lunar and solar eclipses occur every month? Lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon when the Earth is between the sun and moon AND when they are all in a perfect line (not slightly above or below) Solar eclipses can only occur during a new moon when the moon is between the sun and Earth AND when they are all in a perfect line (not slightly above or below)

SOLAR ECLIPSE LUNAR ECLIPSE BOTH