Lunar and Solar Eclipses

Shining a Light on Eclipses

By: Lindsay Chiero

 The year 2014 brings us two lunar and two solar eclipses occurring in approximately six month intervals. Here are the dates:

April 15, 2014: Total Lunar Eclipse

 

April 29, 2014:  Annular Solar Eclipse

October 8, 2014: Total Solar Eclipse

October 23, 2014: Partial Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse
Photo Credit: Lindsay Chiero

           What exactly is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse? Both of the eclipse involve three celestial bodies: the Sun (solar), the Moon (lunar), and the Earth. An eclipse can be total, partial or annular. A solar eclipse occurs during the day when the moon passes between the earth and sun, blocking all (total) or some (partial) of the Sun. The annular eclipse refers to the moon at its furthest point in orbit. Solar eclipses are much more rare and can only be seen by a narrow segment of the population when they actually do occur. However, eye protection is necessary upon viewing the eclipse because the sun can damage the naked eye. Opposite of the solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse occurs at night when the Earth passes between the Moon and Sun. The Earth's shadow obscures a portion of the moon or all of it, but can only occur when the Moon is directly opposite of the Sun in the sky (full moon). Earth get's to see many more full moons than we do Lunar Eclipse's because the sun isn't exactly in line with the earth and moon. Unlike the solar eclipse, it can be seen with the naked eye.
         This year and next (2015) bring us four eclipses each, which is very rare. Astronomers are not worried about this because it is just simply due to the arrangement of the earth, sun and moon and the motion of our solar system. What's also unique about 2014-2015 is that each eclipse can be seen from all or parts of the United States. So save the dates and get outside to witness how beautifully constructed our solar system is.