Lunar and Solar Eclipses by NASA

Front

What is a lunar eclipse?

Back

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the moon.

Front

What is a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light from reaching the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse?

Back

In a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, while in a partial solar eclipse, only part of the sun is obscured by the moon.

Front

What is an annular solar eclipse?

Back

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers the center of the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible around it.

Front

Why do eclipses not happen every month?

Back

Eclipses do not happen every month because the moon's orbit is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the sun.

Front

What is the role of Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse?

Back

Earth's shadow covers the moon during a lunar eclipse, causing it to appear darker or reddish.

Front

What causes the moon to appear red during a lunar eclipse?

Back

The moon appears red during a lunar eclipse because Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing only red light to reach the moon.

Front

What is the term for the path of the moon's shadow on Earth during a solar eclipse?

Back

The path of the moon's shadow on Earth during a solar eclipse is called the 'path of totality'.

Front

How often do solar eclipses occur?

Back

Solar eclipses occur about 2 to 5 times a year, but total solar eclipses are much rarer.

Front

What is the significance of the moon's orbit in relation to eclipses?

Back

The moon's orbit determines when and where eclipses occur, as it must align with the Earth and sun.