Difference Between Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse

Eclipse alludes to the blocking of light from an astronomical object by the passage of another
amidst it. It is an event in which three celestial bodies, i.e. the sun, moon and earth are in
tandem. When the moon is in the middle of sun and earth, a solar eclipse occurs, and if the earth
is in between sun and moon, it is the case of the lunar eclipse.

The reason for the occurrence of the eclipse is that there are two points where the orbit of the
moon passes through sun’s plane called as nodes. When the earth travels along its orbit, these
points are in alignment with the sun, and it happens about two times in a year. Read out this
article to have a better understanding of the difference between solar eclipse and lunar eclipse.
Content: Solar Eclipse Vs Lunar Eclipse
1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
SOLAR ECLIPSE LUNAR ECLIPSE
COMPARISON

Meaning Solar eclipse is the one Lunar eclipse refers to the

in which sun is eclipse in which moon appears
blocked by the moon. dim, as it passes into earths
shadow.

Position Moon lies between Earth lies between sun and

sun and earth moon

Frequency Once in every eighteen Twice a year

months.

Occurence Occurs during day Occurs during night

Phase New moon Full moon

Duration 5-7 minutes An hour

Appearance Appears in some Appears in many places.

places only.

Definition of Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse, as the name suggest, is the shadowing of the sun by the moon. It takes place when
the moon crosses the sun’s plane while orbiting the earth and comes in front of the sun, which
obscures its view either partly or entirely.

Thus, it ultimately blocks the sunlight from falling on earth and due to which some parts of the
earth are under the moon’s shadow and causes the solar eclipse. This event occurs only during
the new moon when the moon is amid the sun and the earth. You can see the figure given below:
There are three types of solar eclipse:

 Total Solar Eclipse: When the moon fully covers the Sun, and its umbra and penumbra
are casted on Earth, then it is called as the total solar eclipse.
 Partial Solar Eclipse: If the moon covers only a part of the Sun and only its penumbra
is casted on Earth, then this is known as Partial Lunar Eclipse.
 Annular Solar Eclipse: It is the situation when moon’s disc covers the center if the
sun’s disc and its antumbra are casted on Earth.

Definition of Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse, in simplest terms, can be described as the eclipse of the moon, in which it is
behind the earth and forms a perfect alignment with sun and earth. We all know the fact that the
moon does not have its own light, and reflects the light of the sun. So, when the earth moves
between the sun and the moon, while orbiting the sun, the lunar eclipse takes place, in which the
earth casts its shadow on the moon.

Therefore, it ultimately blocks the sunlight from falling on the moon, due to which moon
appears darkened. This appears only during the full moon when it passes through earth’s
shadow, i.e. umbra or penumbra. You can see the figure provided below:

 Total Lunar Eclipse: When the earth completely covers the moon and blocks the light
from reaching the moon, it is called as the total lunar eclipse.
 Partial Lunar Eclipse: Partial lunar eclipse is when the moon enters the earth’s umbra,
but not completely, such that the sunlight partially reaches the moon.
 Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: This occurs when the moon enters the penumbra of the
earth, but sunlight reaches it because this region is not fully obscured from sun rays.

Key Differences Between Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse

The difference between the solar eclipse and lunar eclipse can be drawn clearly on the following
premises:

1. A solar eclipse is described as the eclipse of the sun, i.e. in which sun is obscured by the
moon. On the other hand, lunar eclipse implies the eclipse in which moon appears dim, as
it passes into earth’s shadow.
2. In the solar eclipse, the position of the three celestial bodies is sun, moon, and earth.
Conversely, in the case of lunar eclipse, the position of these are the sun, earth, and moon.
3. A solar eclipse occurs in every 18 months, i.e. 1.5 years. As against, the lunar eclipse which
takes place twice a year.
4. As solar eclipse is the sun’s eclipse, it occurs during day time. In contrast, the lunar eclipse
occurs in the night, because it’s a moon’s eclipse.
5. The solar eclipse happens in the new moon phase, but lunar eclipse occurs during the full
moon.
6. Solar eclipse lasts for 5-7 minutes, whereas lunar eclipse lasts for few hours.
7. A solar eclipse can be observed only in a small area, while lunar eclipse can be noticed in
the comparatively larger area.
8. If one sees solar eclipse directly, i.e. through naked eyes, then there is a risk of loss in
visibility as it damages the retina. On the contrary, it is safe to see lunar eclipse through
bare eyes.

Conclusion

We all are aware of the fact that earth revolves around the sun and the moon revolves around the
earth. Due to this, there are certain times in a year, when these three are in tandem and forms
and the exact and almost straight line called as Syzygy.

Lunar Eclipse vs Solar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse occurs when the earth comes between the sun and the moon in such a way that it
blocks the sun’s rays completely from reaching the moon. Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon
passes between the earth and the sun in such a way that the sun is totally blocked from view.

Lunar Eclipse only occurs on the full moon night which means that the moon is on the other side
of the earth from the sun. Solar eclipse always occurs on the new moon which means that the
moon is almost between earth and the sun.

During a Solar Eclipse looking directly at the sun is very dangerous and can cause permanent
damage to the retina. Use of a certified solar filter or use of special glasses is advised. During the
Lunar Eclipse the moon is completely safe to look at and can be watched for as long as you want.

A Solar Eclipse is only visible in very few parts of the earth due to the size of the moon in
comparison to the earth. However, the lunar eclipse is virtually visible to anyone on the night
side of the earth. The Solar Eclipse in its totality would not last for more than six to seven
minutes at best, however, the totality of the Lunar Eclipse may last for almost an hour.

During a Lunar Eclipse the moon would generally appear red or copper in color due to the
sunlight filtered by the earth’s atmosphere but would generally remain visible. During a Solar
Eclipse the sun would disappear completely behind the moon for a few minutes.

Partial lunar eclipse generally occurs twice a year however the solar eclipse occurs approx. at a
gap of 18 months. The location of the solar eclipse is different every time. The eclipse occurs at
the same spot only once every 370 years.

Summary
1. Lunar Eclipse is when the earth comes between sun and the moon blocking any sunlight from
reaching the moon whereas Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the sun and the
earth blocking the view of the sun from the earth.
2. Lunar Eclipse is visible on the entire night side of the earth whereas Solar eclipse is only
visible in very small portions.
3. Watching a lunar eclipse with the naked eye is absolutely safe whereas watching the Solar
Eclipse with a naked eye is very dangerous.
4. The duration of the Lunar Eclipse may last for almost an hour whereas the Solar Eclipse can
be six to seven minutes at best.
5. During a Lunar Eclipse the moon may appear red or copper whereas the sun may completely
disappear during a Solar Eclipse.
6. Lunar Eclipse generally occurs twice a year whereas the solar eclipse occurs once every 18
months.