Moon Phases and Eclipses
Discover the fascinating connection between moon phases and eclipses. Learn when solar and lunar eclipses occur and how to predict them.
New Moon
Solar eclipses can only occur during a New Moon phase. This is when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.
New Moon
Required Moon Phase
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.
Solar eclipses can only happen during a New Moon phase. This is when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, allowing it to cast a shadow on Earth.
Safety: Never look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection
Full Moon
Required Moon Phase
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
Lunar eclipses can only happen during a Full Moon phase. This is when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface.
Safety: Safe to view with the naked eye
Why Don't Eclipses Happen Every Month?
Eclipses don't occur every month because the Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This means the Moon usually passes above or below the Sun during New Moon, and above or below Earth's shadow during Full Moon.
Types of Solar Eclipses
There are three types of solar eclipses: Total (Moon completely covers the Sun), Partial (Moon covers part of the Sun), and Annular (Moon appears smaller than the Sun, creating a ring effect).
Types of Lunar Eclipses
There are three types of lunar eclipses: Total (Moon passes completely through Earth's shadow), Partial (Moon passes partially through Earth's shadow), and Penumbral (Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow).
Eclipse Seasons
Eclipses occur in 'seasons' - periods of about 35 days when the Sun is near one of the points where the Moon's orbit crosses Earth's orbital plane. These seasons happen roughly every 6 months.
Eclipse Seasons
Eclipses occur in seasons, roughly every 6 months when the Sun is near the Moon's orbital nodes.
Moon Phase Check
Check if the Moon is in New Moon (for solar) or Full Moon (for lunar) phase during eclipse seasons.
Visibility Path
Solar eclipses are only visible from a narrow path, while lunar eclipses are visible from half the Earth.
Solar Eclipse Safety
- • Never look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse
- • Use certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers
- • Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing solar eclipses
- • Use indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors
Lunar Eclipse Safety
- • Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye
- • No special equipment is required
- • Best viewed from a dark location away from city lights
- • Binoculars or telescopes can enhance the viewing experience