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Do you want to watch one of the coolest and rarest sights ever? Solar and lunar eclipses are known for their uniqueness and the awe they bring to people around the world. But do you know the difference (beyond the obvious) between a lunar eclipse vs solar eclipse? Let’s discuss the differences and similarities between solar and lunar eclipses. We also let you know how to safely view a solar eclipse.
What Is A Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon orbits Earth and moves between the sun and Earth. During this time, the moon blocks the sun’s light from reaching Earth, and the moon’s shadow is cast onto Earth. Solar eclipses occur every 18 months and only last a few minutes.
Types Of Solar Eclipse
There are three types of solar eclipses:
- A total solar eclipse is only visible to those in the center of the moon’s shadow. During this time, the sky becomes very dark, as it does at night. For a total solar eclipse to occur, the Earth, moon, and sun must be in a direct line.
- A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are not lined up perfectly. The sun has a dark shadow on part of its surface.
- An annular solar eclipse is when the moon is the farthest from the Earth. During this time, the moon seems smaller, and it does not block the full view of the sun. The moon appears as a dark circle on top of the sun, which looks like a sun-colored ring circling the moon.
There are two shadows cast onto Earth from the moon. The first is called the umbra, and it gets smaller as the moon reaches Earth. If you stand in the umbra, you will see a total eclipse. The second is called the penumbra, which gets larger as the moon reaches Earth. If you stand in the penumbra, you will see a partial eclipse.
When Is The Next Solar Eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse in the Americas is April 8, 2024, in North America. Totality lasts only two minutes, but the entire solar eclipse lasts two hours and 38 minutes leading up to and after the total eclipse.
Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse Dates
- April 8, 2024: North America
- August 12, 2026: Western Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Arctic, Norway, Russia
Upcoming Partial (“Annular”) Solar Eclipse Dates
- October 2, 2024: South America, Antarctica
- February 17, 2026: Africa, southern South America, Antarctica
- February 26, 2027: Africa, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Antarctica
When Was The Last Total Eclipse In The U.S.?
Are you wondering when the last total solar eclipse was in the U.S.? 2017 marked the first total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States since 1979. The Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, took place in the lower 48 states. This was a big deal because some portion of the eclipse was visible from nearly every spot in the United States.
To get the best view of an upcoming eclipse, be sure to check out the solar eclipse path. This is the direction each eclipse will follow so you know which locations will be seen in totality.
How To Safely View A Solar Eclipse
To watch a solar eclipse, you should NEVER look directly at the sun. It can damage your eyes permanently. Solar eclipse glasses block the sun’s ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation to keep your eyes safe. Please use proper safety equipment to watch any solar eclipse, from beginning to end. Looking at the sun without protection can cause lasting vision problems. Using regular sunglasses is not considered adequate protection. Solar eclipse glasses should be ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 12312-2 compliant.
Beware Of Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses!
As mentioned above, viewing the solar eclipse with inadequate equipment can permanently damage your eyesight. Unfortunately, unscrupulous sellers are taking advantage, and there are a lot of fake solar eclipse glasses flooding the market. Amazon recently conducted a bunch of withdrawals, but there are still products available that may ship in time for the next solar eclipse.
Where And How To Buy Safe Glasses
Check availability on Amazon here and then cross-reference the product with a list of approved brands published by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York.
5 Ways To Safely Watch The Solar Eclipse [Video]
What Is A Lunar Eclipse?
The Earth orbits the sun, and the moon orbits around the Earth. There are times when Earth is between the moon and the sun, and when this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that is reflected by the moon. This sunlight is what makes the moon shine, so instead of sunlight hitting the moon, Earth’s shadow is cast on it. This is what is known as an eclipse of the moon, or a lunar eclipse, and it can only occur when there is a full moon.
There are at least two partial lunar eclipses every year, but total lunar eclipses are rare. A lunar eclipse lasts a few hours typically, and it’s safe to watch without any eyewear.
Types
There are two types of lunar eclipses:
- A total lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth, and moon (in that order) are in direct alignment. Some of the sun’s light reaches the moon, giving it a reddish color to people on Earth.
- A partial lunar eclipse occurs when part of the moon is in Earth’s shadow. The shadow of Earth is very dark on the side of the moon we see on Earth. The way a partial lunar eclipse looks varies depending on how the moon, Earth, and sun are aligned.
When Is The Next Lunar Eclipse?
Here is a list of some upcoming lunar eclipses in North America:
- March 14, 2025: total lunar eclipse
- March 3, 2026: total lunar eclipse
- December 31, 2028: total lunar eclipse
On January 21, 2019, there was a total lunar eclipse (aka Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse!)
How The Sun, Earth And Moon Align
You may have noticed that both solar and lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned in a direct line. Depending on the order of these three and the shadows cast, you could end up seeing one of the most beautiful sights in the world. If you’ve watched a solar eclipse and have glasses lying around, you may want to use them for an upcoming event or something else.
Have you watched a solar or lunar eclipse before? Any tips?
My first eclipse was a Lunar eclipse and I personally like those better. I always have been a fan of watching the moon rise and something very peaceful about our spiritual moon. 🙂
Lunar eclipses are prettier and last longer. I can’t believe how many North America dates there are upcoming! 🙂 If we fail for weather in January there will be July 27th!
Here’s an idea, don’t stare directly at the sun so you won’t damage your eyes.
Does anyone know where I can get glasses and make sure they are safe? I am getting scared about all the burned retina warnings!
Hi Bill, we’ve updated our article with glass safety info (what to check for) as well as a list of approved brands and where to get them.
Ya can’t wait for the total solar eclipse on August 21!! We live in Ohio so we’re right in line for eclipse “totality” 🙂 We bought some glasses online, the only concern I have is that they might be fake? I’ve heard that a lot of companies have run out and scammers are taking advantage by selling fake solar eclipse glasses. The last thing I want is to go blind on this epic day. Is there a way to verify that glasses are legit?
Hi Steven, yes there is a way to verify. Please see our article above (it’s been updated since your comment) for details on solar glass verification and where to get them.