Eclipses

 

Lunar Eclipse - Eclipse of the Moon

 

 

What is a Lunar Eclipse? What is a Lunar Eclipse?

 

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon.

 

 

How Does It Work?

 

• The Earth blocks out the Sun's rays.
• The Earth's shadow is cast on the Moon.
• The Moon appears to change color, often turning a reddish hue.

 

 

What Happens During a Lunar Eclipse?

 

The Moon gradually becomes darker as the Earth's shadow covers it. In a total eclipse, the Moon can appear red due to the Earth's atmosphere.

 

 

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

 

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's darkest shadow, turning a bright reddish colour known as a blood moon. A partial lunar eclipse happens when only part of the Moon moves through the Earth's full shadow, making it appear partially red and silvery grey. Lunar eclipses take place two to five times a year, with total eclipses happening at least twice every three years.

 

 

Lunar Eclipse Diagram

 

What is a blood moon?

 

A blood moon occurs when the moon is in a total lunar eclipse. As the moon enters Earth’s shadow, sunlight scatters causing the moon to glow blood red. This can only happen during a full moon when the sun is fully illuminated against the moon’s surface.

 

Blood moon

 

 

What is a 'super blood moon' eclipse?

 

A ‘Super Blood Moon’ is the combination of two celestial events – a total lunar eclipse and supermoon (when the moon’s elliptical orbit is at its closest point to the Earth). During this time, the moon will appear 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than normal.

 

 

 

Solar Eclipse - Eclipse of the Sun

 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

 

A Solar Eclipse happens when the new Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow and temporarily turning day into night.

 

 

How does a solar eclipse work?

 

• The Moon blocks out the Sun's rays.
• The Moon casts a shadow on parts of the Earth.
• Daylight turns into darkness for a short time.

 

 

What happens during a Solar Eclipse?

 

• The sky goes dark even though it is daytime.
• In a total eclipse, you can see the flames around the edges of the Sun.

 

 

Solar eclipse phases:

 

 

What is a total solar eclipse?

 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon casts its darkest shadow, known as the umbra, onto the Earth. During this event, the Moon appears to obscure the entire disk of the Sun. Observers can only witness a total solar eclipse if they are located within the area covered by the Moon's full shadow, or umbra. Those situated outside this path, in the partial shadow known as the penumbra, will observe a partial eclipse.

 

Solar Eclipse Diagram

 

When is the next solar eclipse?

 

The next total solar eclipse visible in the United Kingdom is scheduled for 23 September 2090. This event will be observable in Cornwall and along much of the southern coast of England, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 36 seconds shortly before sunset. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the UK on 29 March 2025.

 

 

Try this yourself!

 

Use a torch, a 'big' ball and a 'small' ball to show:

• an eclipse of the Moon
• an eclipse of the Sun

Continue... The Solar System

 

Solar / Lunar Eclipse FAQ

Q1: What is a solar eclipse?
A1: A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

Q2: What is a lunar eclipse?
A2: A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

Q3: How often do solar eclipses happen?
A3: Solar eclipses occur about 2 to 5 times a year, but total solar eclipses are less frequent.

Q4: How often do lunar eclipses happen?
A4: Lunar eclipses occur about 2 to 4 times a year.

Q5: Why don't we see a solar or lunar eclipse every month?
A5: Eclipses don't happen every month because the orbits of the Earth and the Moon are tilted relative to each other, so they don't always align perfectly.

Q6: What are the different types of solar eclipses?
A6: There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.

Q7: What are the different types of lunar eclipses?
A7: There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral.

Q8: Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse?
A8: It is not safe to look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as it can damage your eyes.

Q9: Can you look at a lunar eclipse safely?
A9: Yes, it is safe to look at a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

Q10: How can I watch a solar eclipse safely?
A10: You can watch a solar eclipse safely by using special eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector, or a solar viewer.

Tags: Eclipse, Solar eclipse, Lunar eclipse, Sun, Earth, Moon, Umbra, Penumbra