When this happens, some color can pass through Earth’s atmosphere and reach the Moon’s surface. During a total eclipse of the Moon, this lunar body travels into the umbra (the inner part of Earth’s shadow) Lunar eclipses come in three types: total eclipses, partial eclipses, and penumbral eclipses. When this happens, Earth’s shadow can dim the Moon’s brightness or cause the lunar surface to take on a striking shade of red.
Lunar eclipse versus solar eclipse full#
These eclipses occur when the Moon is at full phase and are visible for half of the Earth. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun, which causes a shadow to fall on the former. And this is why we experience solar eclipses. In addition, the Moon moves away from Earth at a rate of around 4 cm per year.īut, at this specific time, our Moon is exactly the right distance from Earth – in comparison to the Sun – that the two appear to be the same size as we view them from Earth. Think about it – the Sun has a monumental diameter of 1,392,000 km, while the Moon’s diameter is just 3,475 km. We’re lucky to witness solar eclipses at all, as they require a specific mix of time and celestial mechanics. Still, on the rare occasions that they do, we can enjoy the experience of seeing the streams and ribbons our the Sun’s atmosphere. Solar eclipses don’t often happen over populated land. But, when a solar eclipse occurs, the only light we can see is from the corona. The Sun’s atmosphere, also known as the corona, is usually much dimmer than the Sun’s light, which makes it hard for scientists to see. Still, it allows scientists to study the Sun’s atmosphere more closely. This turns the sky dark even during the daytime, which can confuse animals and people who don’t know what is happening. If you’re within the path of totality when the eclipse happens, the Sun’s light will disappear for a few minutes. As our planet rotates, this shadow creates a path called the path of totality.
When the Moon passes in front of the Sun, it creates a shadow on part of the Earth. These events only happen during the new Moon phase, when this celestial body travels between the Sun and the Earth.Ī total solar eclipse only happens when the Moon sits in perfect alignment with the Sun, casting a complete shadow on Earth, otherwise we experience a partial eclipse (where only part of the Sun is blocked by the Moon).
Differences Between A Solar Eclipse And Lunar EclipseĪ solar eclipse happens when the Moon blocks the light from the Sun and casts a shadow over the Earth.How Are Solar And Lunar Eclipses Similar?.
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