The key difference between solar and lunar eclipse in tabular form is given below. Eclipse is the result of masking of a celestial body by another along an observer’s line of sight. Lunar eclipse and solar eclipse are events when the sun, moon and earth are in tandem.
- Solar eclipse: A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in between the earth and the sun.
- Lunar eclipse: A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth is between the sun and the moon.
Here, in this article let us look at the various difference between solar eclipse and lunar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse vs Lunar Eclipse
| Solar Eclipse | Lunar Eclipse |
| The solar eclipse is the one in which the moon is in between the earth and the sun | The lunar eclipse is the one in which the earth is in between the sun and the moon |
| Occurs once in 18 months | Occurs twice a year |
| Lasts for about 5-7 minutes | Lasts for an hour |
| Witnessed in a few places | Witnesses in many places |
| Occurs during day-time | Occurs during night-time |
| The solar eclipse happens in the new moon phase | The lunar eclipse occurs in the full moon phase |
| If directly seen through the naked eyes then there are high chances of losing vision as it damages the retina | It is safe to see the lunar eclipse with bare eyes. No damages are caused to the eyes. |
Scientists eagerly wait for an eclipse to occur because the effect it has on all life on earth is of particular interest to them. Solar eclipse helps scientists to gather more knowledge about the sun and its position with respect to the sun.
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