Eclipses

eclipse

an event during which one object in space casts a shadow onto another object.

umbra

the darkest part of a shadow.

penumbra

the lighter part of a shadow

solar eclipse

when the moon is directly between the sun and earth, it casts a shadow on earth. Occurs at new moon phase

partial solar eclipse

a solar eclipse in which the sun does not appear completely blocked. Occurs when you are standing in the moon's penumbra.

total solar eclipse

a complete blocking of the sun by the moon. Occurs when you are standing in the moon's umbra.

lunar eclipse

When the moon passes through earth's shadow. Earth casts a shadow on the moon. Occurs at full moon phase.

partial lunar eclipse

when the moon misses part or all of Earth's umbra.

total lunar eclipse

when the moon passes completely into Earth's umbra.

Occurs at full moon