Eclipses

Eclipses

occurs when the Earth, Moon and Sun are

positioned in straight line

types

eclipse of the Moon

(Lunar Eclipse)

eclipse of the Sun

(Solar Eclipse)

causes of the occurence

the Moon and the Earth are

opaque

light travels in a straight line

the changing positions of the Moon and the

Earth

revolution of earth around the

Sun

revolution of moon around the

Earth

LUNAR Eclipse v. SOLAR Eclipse

Types Eclipse of the Moon Eclipse of the Sun

Also known as

Lunar Eclipse Solar Eclipse

Position of the Earth,

Moon and Sun The Earth is between the Moon and the Sun in a straight line. The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun in a straight line.

Total & Partial Eclipses

(1)

lighter

shadow (penumbra)

(2)

darker shadow (umbra)

Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the whole Moon is in darker shadow of the Earth.

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the Moon is in darker shadow.

Moon blocks sunlight from reaching the Earth.

Moon casts its shadow on a part of surface of the Earth.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks out the Sun entirely.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only blocks out a portion of the Sun.

Appearance

The Moon appears orange and brownish in colour because a small amount of the Sun’s light refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere and falls

on the Moon during the eclipse.

The Sun appears dark except for a bright ring around the dark disc (known as ‘corona’). Daytime becomes dark and air temperature may

drop.

Duration The duration is longer than the eclipse of the Sun. The duration is shorter than the eclipse of the Moon.

Should happen

At every full moon phase. At every new moon phase.

But do not occur every month because the Moon's orbit is tilted five degrees from Earth's orbit around the Sun; otherwise we would see a lunar eclipse each month.

Can be seen with

Naked eyes. When there’s a lunar eclipse, anyone on the night side of Earth can see it. From the side of the Earth experiencing night time.

Approved solar filter, or to observe indirectly by projecting the Sun’s image with a pinhole or binoculars. When there’s a solar eclipse, only visible on certain part of the world and daylight becomes dark during

the total eclipse.

Solar Eclipses Diagrams

Lunar Eclipses Diagrams