Eclipse
Eclipses
An eclipse happens when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. There are two main types we observe from Earth: solar eclipses and lunar eclipses.
🌑 Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light.
Types of solar eclipses:
Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun for a short time. Day turns to night briefly.
Partial Solar Eclipse: Only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon.
Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon is a bit farther from Earth and doesn’t completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring around the edges—called a “ring of fire.”
🗓️ Solar eclipses happen only during a new moon.
🌕 Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
Types of lunar eclipses:
Total Lunar Eclipse: The entire Moon passes through Earth’s shadow and often turns a reddish color (sometimes called a "blood moon").
Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only a portion of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The Moon passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow (penumbra), causing only slight dimming.
🗓️ Lunar eclipses happen only during a full moon.
Why does the Moon sometimes appear red during a lunar eclipse?
How do scientists predict when and where an eclipse will occur?
What safety precautions should be taken when viewing a solar eclipse?
How did ancient civilizations interpret eclipses, and what myths surrounded them?
What is the significance of the "path of totality" in a solar eclipse?
How do eclipses contribute to scientific discoveries about the Sun and Moon?