Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse
What Is A Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a natural event that takes place on Earth when the Moon moves in its orbit between Earth and the Sun (this is also known as an occultation). It happens at New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction with each other. If the Moon was only slightly closer to Earth, and orbited in the same plane and its orbit was circular, we would see eclipses each month. The lunar orbit is elliptical and tilted with respect to Earth’s orbit, so we can only see up to 5 eclipses per year. Depending on the geometry of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Sun can be totally blocked, or it can be partially blocked.
During an eclipse, the Moon’s shadow (which is divided into two parts: the dark umbra and the lighter penumbra) moves across Earth’s surface. Safety note: do NOT ever look at the Sun directly during an eclipse unless it is during a total solar eclipse. The bright light of the Sun can damage your eyes very quickly.
**More info at https://space-facts.com/solar-eclipse/
Lunar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse Facts
1. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth so that the earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon.
2. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially covers the Sun as viewed from some locations on Earth.
3. A Solar eclipse always occurs two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse.
4. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon. Solar eclipses can only occur during a new moon.
5. Eclipses very often occur in threes, alternating lunar, solar and lunar.
6. The maximum time a lunar eclipse can last is 3 hours and 40 minutes. The maximum time for a total solar eclipse is 7 minutes and 40 seconds.
7. Lunar eclipses can occur up to 3 times a year. Solar eclipses can occur at least 2 and no more than 5 times a year.
8. Lunar eclipses are visible over an entire hemisphere. Solar eclipses are visible in a narrow path a maximum of 167 miles wide.
9. The cycle of eclipses repeats every 18.6 years called the saros.
10. The eclipse shadow moves at 2,000 mph at the Earth’s poles and 1,000 mph at the Earth’s equator.