Question

explain how a lunar eclipse differs from a solar eclipse

Answer 1

Hello! Welcome to Openstudy!

Answer 2

Ok here's a few things you should know about the two eclipses,

A lunar eclipse occurs at night and a solar eclipse occurs during the day. There are only certain times when either of them can occur. A lunar eclipse can only occur when the moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky — a full moon. Even though there is a full moon each month, obviously a lunar eclipse does not occur on a monthly basis because the Sun isn't exactly in line with the Earth and the moon. The moon's orbit is actually tilted 5 degrees more than that of the Earth; otherwise, we would see a lunar eclipse each month.

We can see lunar eclipses more readily than solar eclipses, and it has to do with proximity. The Moon is much closer to the Earth (well over 300 times closer than the Sun!), so the Earth has a much greater chance of blocking sunlight to the Moon, compared to the Moon blocking light from the Sun. Also, a lunar eclipse can be seen from a greater portion of the Earth. Solar eclipses, on the other hand, are more rare and when they do happen can only be seen by a very narrow segment of people on Earth, for a short period of time.

It is quite safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, while watching a solar eclipse without eyewear protection can seriously damage your eyesight. You can use a telescope to get a clearer view of the moon during an eclipse and really see what is happening.

A solar eclipse has always had a more profound effect on humans than a lunar eclipse. This is probably because of the importance of the Sun to all life on Earth. In ancient China, a solar eclipse was thought to be the dragon coming to eat the Sun. The effect that an eclipse has on all life on Earth is of particular interest to scientists. They eagerly await a solar eclipse because it helps them to gather more knowledge about the Sun and its position with respect to Earth.

For more info you can check this website out, http://www.moonconnection.com/lunar_vs_solar.phtml

Well hope I helped. :) Have a great time Openstudying.

Answer 3

I hope this helps if you come back to see it! Have a great day. @sanaybrown

Answer 4

http://www.moonconnection.com/lunar_vs_solar.phtml

This might also help:
a eclpise is when a part of either the sun or the moon is blocked out. lunar means moon, solar means sun. The difference between the two is what is being blocked: the sun or the moon