​An eclipse takes place when one celestial body such as a moon or planet moves into the shadow of another celestial body.

Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s light so that Earth’s shadow hits the Moon casting a shadow over the Moon.  This can only occur during a Full Moon.

Total Lunar Eclipse

Lunar eclipses occur when Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light, which otherwise reflects off the Moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses— total, partial and penumbral.  The most dramatic is a total lunar eclipse, in which Earth's shadow completely covers the moon.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Full Moon, but they are not precisely aligned. Only part of the Moon's visible surface moves into the dark part of the Earth's shadow.
Lunar and solar eclipses occur with about equal frequency (number).  Lunar eclipses are more widely visible because Earth casts a much larger shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse than the Moon is capable of casting on the Earth during a solar eclipse.  As a result, you are more likely to see a lunar eclipse than a solar eclipse.

Solar vs. Lunar
Eclipse

Video Guide:
  1. ​Why does the Moon appear Red during a lunar eclipse?
  2. What are the 3 types of lunar eclipses!?
  3. How many times do lunar eclipses occur each year?
  4. How long until the Earth will never see a lunar eclipse again?

Topic Tips

  • A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s light so that Earth’s shadow temporarily covers the Moon. 
  • Lunar eclipses can only occur during a Full Moon phase.

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