Lunar and solar eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon. In contrast, a solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either partially or completely. Solar eclipses can only occur during a new moon. Both events are relatively rare and depend on the precise alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, which occurs roughly every six months in a cycle known as the eclipse season.