Eclipses

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to the topic of solar and lunar eclipses.

Solar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.

Lunar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Penumbra

The partial shadow area during an eclipse, where only a portion of the light is blocked.

Umbra

The full shadow area during an eclipse, where the light is completely blocked.

Blood Moon

A term for a lunar eclipse, particularly when the Moon appears red.

Total Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse where the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Partial Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse where only part of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.

Lunar Eclipse Appearance

During a lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear red due to atmospheric scattering of sunlight.

Eclipse Frequency

Lunar eclipses occur more frequently than solar eclipses due to the wider shadow cast by the Earth.

Eclipse Effects

A solar eclipse affects only small parts of the Earth, while a lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on the nighttime side of the Earth.