The earth, along with the other planets, revolves around the sun in its orbit. In turn, the moon revolves around the earth in the moon’s orbit. There comes a time when the three heavenly bodies get aligned in the same straight line. This is when an eclipse occurs. It is defined as an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when one spatial object comes within the shadow of another spatial object. This obstructs the observer from seeing one of them in space. On earth, we witness two types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
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Solar Eclipse
Also known as the eclipse of the sun, it occurs when the moon comes in between the sun and the earth. As a result, the moon blocks the light of the sun from reaching the earth’s surface and casts a shadow on it. This occurs in a new moon phase. We can observe up to 5 solar eclipses per year.
Depending on the distance of the moon from the earth during the event, different types of solar concealment can be observed. They can be categorized as:
- Partial: When the moon does not align completely with the sun, and so only a portion of the sunlight is blocked from reaching the earth.
- Annular: When the moon covers the sun, but the sun can be seen around the edges of the moon, giving an impression that the sun is a bright ring surrounding the dark disc of the moon.
- Total: When the sun is completely covered by the moon. The sky becomes so dark that it appears to be night. Only a small area of the earth can witness it.
On 26th December, an annular solar eclipse occurred when the Sun rose as a “ring of fire.
Read More: Moon
Lunar Eclipse
Also known as the eclipse of the moon, it occurs when the earth comes in between the sun and the moon. As a result, the earth blocks the light of the sun from reaching the moon’s surface and casts its shadow on the moon. It occurs on a full moon day. We can observe up to 3 lunar eclipses per year.
Depending on how the sun, the moon, and the earth line up, lunar eclipse too can be categorized as:
- Partial: When only a part of the moon moves into the shadow of the earth.
- Total: When the earth passes directly in front of the moon and casts its shadow on the full moon.
It is advised that one should not look at the sun directly during the solar eclipse as it can permanently damage the eyes. However, it is safe to view the lunar eclipse directly.
Read More: Planets
Watch this interesting video on Solar eclipse to know more about this amazing phenomenon
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is an eclipse?
What are the two types of natural eclipses that can be observed from the Earth?
What is a solar eclipse?
What are the three types of solar eclipses?
What is a lunar eclipse?
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