A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to pass through Earth's shadow. This phenomenon can only happen during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are closely aligned in a straight line. Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires special eye protection to observe safely, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye.
The primary difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse lies in the positioning of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. In a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth. This can happen only during a new moon when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in a straight line. Solar eclipses can be further categorized into total, partial, and annular eclipses depending on the extent to which the Sun is obscured.
On the other hand, during a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the Moon. This happens when the Moon is in its full moon phase and the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon. The Earth's atmosphere refracts some sunlight, bending it towards the Moon and giving it a reddish or coppery hue during a total lunar eclipse. This effect is often referred to as a "blood moon."
In summary, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun from Earth's view, while a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. Solar eclipses happen during a new moon, and lunar eclipses occur during a full moon.