Difference between Solar Eclipse and Lunar EclipseEclipses are astronomical events which occur when a celestial body partially or totally covers another celestial body. There are different types of eclipses; from Earth, we can see two types of eclipses: solar eclipse and lunar eclipse. Let us see how solar eclipse differs from lunar eclipse! Solar Eclipse:A solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and Sun while orbiting the Earth so that the Sun, Moon and Earth are in one line. As the moon comes between the Sun and Earth, It blocks the Sun's light from falling on the Earth's surface and thus the shadow of the moon is created which covers some parts of the earth to cause the solar eclipse. In other words, while orbiting the Earth the moon crosses the sun's plane and comes in front of the sun which obscures its view either partially or completely from the Earth. A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon when moon lies between the Sun and the Earth. Types of Solar Eclipse:
Lunar Eclipse:Lunar Eclipse is the eclipse of the moon. It occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon while orbiting the Sun and blocks the Sun's rays from reaching the moon so that the Earth casts its shadow on the moon. The moon remains behind the Earth and in line with the Sun and the Earth. The moon does not have its own light; it shines because it reflects the light of the Sun. So, when Earth casts its shadow on the moon when it comes between Sun and moon lunar eclipse takes place. It occurs only during the full moon when the moon passes through earth's shadow. Types of Lunar Eclipse:
Based on the above information, some of the key differences between a solar eclipse and lunar eclipse are as follows:
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