The Difference Between a Solar and Lunar Eclipse

If we want to know the difference between a Solar and Lunar Eclipse we have to look at the position of the Sun Moon and Earth.  When we can visualize what is happening in our head and connect that with what we see from Earth the difference can be very clear. 

Some helpful ways to remember the differences between these 3 celestial bodies, the sun, moon and earth is this:
1. A lunar eclipse only occurs at night when the Sun-Earth-Moon are lined up just right. (SEM)

2. A lunar eclipse only occurs when the moon is opposite the sun and is a FULL moon.

3. The moon is much closer to the Earth than the Sun is...so there is a better chance the Earth will block sunlight from hitting the Moon.

4. It is perfectly safe to look at a lunar eclipse with out special glasses. You can even use a telescope to look at the moon in shadow to pick up more details about the craters and ancient lakes on the moon.

That shadow in the middle is the Apollo 11 Landing sight. Yep, they left it there, scientists hadn't figured out how to bring it back.

Here are some helpful insights into remembering a Solar Eclipse:
1. A Solar Eclipse is more rare than a Lunar Eclipse because the Sun-Moon-Earth are in line. (SME) The shadow the moon makes on Earth is much smaller than the shadow the Earth makes on the Moon.

2. A Solar Eclipse always occurs during the day and you must never look at a Solar Eclipse with your bare eyes because you can damage your retinas.

3. The Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon is in the NEW Moon phase. 

4. A Solar Eclipse can be total, (block the entire sun) or partial (block part of the sun) or annular (this is the one everyone loves because it will show the "ring of fire").

Well, I hope this explains why there is such "hype" about eclipses.  Yes, people fly all over the world to see solar eclipses, and people drag their kids out of bed at night to witness lunar eclipses.  

This video is worthy of sharing again about what the differences of Solar and Lunar Eclipses are.  Only takes 4 minutes of your time and its very satisfying.