Solar and Lunar Eclipses

When the moon’s shadow hits the Earth or when the Earth’s shadow hits the moon an eclipse occurs.

Solar Eclipse This Eclipse occurs during a new moon Why don’t we get an eclipse every new moon? Because the moon’s orbit is slightly above the sun in the sky.

Total Solar Eclipse This occurs if you are within the sun’s umbra. Umbra – the darkest, cone shaped part of the moon’s shadow. During a solar eclipse the sky becomes totally dark.

Partial Solar Eclipse This occurs when you are within the sun’s penumbra. Penumbra – larger part of the moon’s shadow. During a partial solar eclipse it becomes slightly dark.

Lunar Eclipse This occurs during a full moon, when the earth goes directly between the moon and the sun. The earth blocks the sunlight from reaching the moon.

Total Lunar Eclipse This occurs when the moon moves directly into the earth’s umbra. You can see the Earth’s shadow on the moon. You can see a lunar eclipse anywhere on the earth.

Partial Lunar Eclipse These occur more often than total lunar eclipses. This occurs when the moon passes partly into the earth’s umbra.