Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse is the blocking of sunlight to the moon, occurring when the moon passes through Earth's shadow.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse is an eclipse visible from Earth from inside the Moon's umbra, occurring when the Sun's entire disk, except for the corona, is blocked by the new moon.

Front

What is the umbra?

Back

The umbra is the inner, darker part of a shadow.

Front

What is the penumbra?

Back

The penumbra is the outer part of a shadow where light is partially blocked.

Front

What type of eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

Front

What type of eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun.

Front

What is a total solar eclipse?

Back

A total solar eclipse is when the Sun's entire disk is blocked by the new moon.

Front

What is a total lunar eclipse?

Back

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth completely blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Front

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun, while a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Front

What happens during a partial solar eclipse?

Back

During a partial solar eclipse, only a part of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.