Our universe is more than billions of years old and we have discovered about 4% of this vast and seemingly infinite space. Our galaxy is home to many fascinating cosmic events that cannot be explained. Examples are solar and lunar eclipses, which are celestial events that have hypnotized humans for thousands of years. Luckily, there is a clear scientific explanation for why these eclipses occur.
Both occur when the sun, earth, and moon are aligned in such a way that one celestial body blocks light from reaching the other. This is the only similarity between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse. The two are fundamentally different phenomena.
Today we will explore the difference between solar and lunar eclipses. But before we start, let’s understand what they are.
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What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the alignment of the moon is such that it is located directly between the sun and the earth. It then blocks sunlight from reaching Earth, plunging the planet into complete darkness for a few seconds. NASA explains that when the moon prevents light from reaching the planet, it is known as a total solar eclipse; and when it blocks only a certain portion of sunlight from reaching Earth, it is known as a partial solar eclipse.
Here is a diagram explaining a solar eclipse.
Source: NASA
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What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align in such a way that the planet prevents sunlight from reaching the moon. NASA explains that when a total lunar eclipse occurs, the entire moon is enveloped in the deepest region of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. When the moon is in the umbra, it turns a reddish color. Because of this, lunar eclipses are often called “blood moons.”
Here is a diagram explaining a lunar eclipse.
Source: Time and date
Now that we know what solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, and solar eclipses are, let’s move on to the differences between them.
Difference between solar eclipse and lunar eclipse
Here are the differences between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse.
|
solar eclipse |
lunar eclipse |
|
|
Alignment |
The moon comes between the sun and the earth. |
The earth comes between the sun and the moon. |
|
Idea |
It occurs every 1.5 years or 18 months. |
It happens twice a year. |
|
Duration |
It has a short duration. It usually lasts a few minutes. |
It has a longer duration. It usually lasts about an hour. |
|
Stages |
It happens in the new moon phase. |
It occurs during the full moon phase. |
More information: Chandra Graham 2023 Time
It is worth mentioning that it is not safe to observe a solar eclipse with the naked eye. Harmful rays can damage your retinas. On the other hand, lunar eclipses are fairly safe to observe.
The first penumbral lunar eclipse of 2023 will occur in a week. This eclipse will be visible from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn