What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses happen about every 18 months and only take place during the new moon stage. A total or annular eclipse is a rare event, but a hybrid solar eclipse is considered to be even rarer. The moon’s orbit plays a role in the type of eclipse that is visible.
Lunar eclipses explained: What is a total, partial and penumbral eclipse?
It's not often that we get a chance to observe our planet's shadow, but we can get a fleeting glimpse during a lunar eclipse.
An eclipse is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring celestial events, captivating stargazers of all ages, from the young to the most advanced, but many novices may be unaware of the differences between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse occurs during the new Moon cycle when Earth's only natural satellite passes directly between the Sun and the planet.
This alignment causes the Moon to block out the Sun's light, temporarily casting a shadow over part of the Earth’s surface.
Types of solar eclipses
(NASA)
There are four types of solar eclipses, each with a distinct definition based on how much of the Sun is obscured. They include: total, annular, partial and hybrid solar eclipses.
NASA estimates that solar eclipses occur approximately every 18 months, with total or annular eclipses being relatively rare, while hybrid solar eclipses are even more uncommon.
According to the American Astronomical Society, any given spot on Earth will experience temporary darkness from the Moon’s shadow only once every 400 years.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves through Earth's shadow.
Unlike a solar eclipse, which is only visible during the day, a lunar eclipse is visible from the night side of the Earth.
Instead of disappearing into complete darkness, astronomers often describe the Moon during a lunar eclipse as taking on various hues, ranging from deep orange to burnt red.
Lunar Eclipse Diagram
(NASA)
This effect occurs because Earth’s atmosphere acts as a filter, scattering sunlight and allowing only certain wavelengths to reflect onto the Moon.
There are three known types of lunar eclipses: partial, penumbral and total, with each reflective of how much of the Moon falls into the shadow.
Due to the Moon’s elliptical orbit, the National Weather Service says that the Earth’s natural satellite only passes through the shadow only a few times a year.
SEE THE OBJECTS HUMANS LEFT BEHIND ON THE MOON
The phenomenon of eclipses, both lunar and solar, will not remain a regular event for skywatchers.
Astronomers predict that as the Moon slowly drifts away from Earth, the occurrences of these eclipses will eventually cease.
Scientists estimate it will take about 600 million years for both lunar and solar eclipses to become events of the past.
Couple gets engaged on special Delta total solar eclipse flight
Passengers on a Delta flight were treated to a special experience on Monday as they witnessed a total solar eclipse thousands of feet in the air. Love was also in the air as one couple got engaged during the flight. Michele Rosenblatt and Neil Albstein share their heartwarming story with FOX Weather.