Key Differences Between Solar And Lunar Eclipse
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8 April 2024
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be the biggest astronomical event of the year
Image: NASA
The total darkening of the sky, also known as totality, will be visible across a 185-kilometre stretch between Mexico, the US, and Canada
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As many as 18 different US States will also get to see it. However, it won't be visible to skywatchers in India
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Amid this, here is a look at the difference between solar and lunar eclipse
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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in between the Earth and the Sun hiding the Sun fully or partly for some time
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During this event, the Moon not only blocks the sun's light but also casts its shadow on the Earth
Image: NASA
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes in between the Moon and the Sun casting its shadow on the moon and thus hiding it fully or partly for some time
Image: Unsplash
A lunar eclipse can only take place when the Earth is positioned between the Moon and the Sun in the sky. This position occurs on the day of the full Moon each month
Image: Pexels
But since the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not exactly in line and the Moon's orbit is inclined by around 5 degrees, we do not witness a lunar eclipse on every full Moon day
Image: Pexels
The frequency of a lunar eclipse is more than a solar eclipse, and it is not as damaging to the naked eyes as a solar eclipse, as per Space.com
Image: Unsplash
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