What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Solar and lunar eclipses are natural phenomena that occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a specific way. While both involve an alignment of celestial bodies, there are some significant differences between the two.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and creating a shadow on the Earth's surface. This can only happen during a new moon phase. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and the sky becomes dark as if it were night.

On the other hand, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon phase. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon takes on a reddish hue and is sometimes called a 'blood moon' because of this.

Another difference between the two is that solar eclipses are visible from a limited area on Earth, while lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on the night side of the planet. Solar eclipses are also much rarer than lunar eclipses.