Getty About twice a year, at a time when there is a new moon, part of the moon's shadow falls on the Earth's surface and there is an eclipse of the sun seen in some places on Earth. Lunar eclipses occur in pairs with solar eclipses, two weeks apart. For more information, see Solar Eclipses for Beginners. During a total eclipse of the Sun, the Moon covers the entire disk of the Sun. The Moon is not visible at this time except when it is seen in silhouette during a solar eclipse when it is illuminated by earthshine.

Eclipses are normally named after their darkest phase.

A lunar eclipse lasts for a few hours, whereas a total solar eclipse lasts for only a few minutes at any given place, due to the smaller size of the moon’s shadow.

Note: To observe a solar eclipse safely, you need to wear protective eyewear because you should never look directly at the sun.

During a lunar eclipse, Earth gets in the way of the sun’s light hitting the moon.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly in front of the sun for some observers on Earth. Wiki User 2012-03-28 21:17:15. it's a new moon. The solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun, and the lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes in between the Moon and the Sun. They do not happen every month because the Earth's orbit around the sun is not in the same plane as the Moon's orbit around the Earth.

It begins like it is taking a small bite out of the Sun. The video also explains how a solar eclipse differs from a lunar eclipse, and gives a helpful tip on how to remember the difference.

Not Total Everywhere.

It could result in damage to your eyes. Describe your thinking.

The Moon phase relates to the angle between the Moon and the Sun.

Image courtesy of Romeo Durscher.

A total solar eclipse can be seen within the moon's dark inner shadow (called the umbra.) What we commonly call a solar eclipse can occur ONLY at the time of the new moon. It lasts for at least 1 hour. A solar eclipse happens when the moon is at new phase and crosses between the Earth and the sun. What phase is the moon in during a solar eclipse? Total Lunar Eclipse of 2004 Oct 27-28 Beginning (right), middle (center) and end (left) of totality (click to see photo gallery) Why is the Moon Red During a Total Lunar Eclipse?

c. only people on the daytime side of Earth can see a solar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse lasts for hours as the moon …

A solar eclipse happens slowly as the Moon starts its trip across the Sun. The new moon is the first phase of the Moon, when its orbit is not seen from the Earth; it is at this moment when the Moon and the Sun have the same ecliptical longitude.

Therefore, during a solar eclipse…