Question

Define solar eclipse and lunar eclipse

Answer 1

When the moon comes between the earth and the sun, it is called a Solar Eclipse. A Partial Solar Eclipse occurs when only a part of the sun is blocked by the moon, whereas in a Total Solar Eclipse, the sun is completely blocked by the moon.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the sun, the earth and the moon are perfectly and closely aligned in a line. The earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting a complete shadow on the moon. This position is called a ‘Syzygy’.

Answer 2

The term eclipse is most often used to describe either a solar eclipse, when the Moon's shadow crosses the Earth's surface, or a lunar eclipse, when the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.