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Solar eclipses and lunar eclipses both involve the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light from reaching Earth. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, creating a shadow on the Moon.
Both lunar and solar eclipses are the result of positioning 3 astronomical bodies (earth, sun and moon) in a straight line relative to the observer. A solar eclipse is observed when the sun, moon, and earth are positioned in a straight line with an observer on the earth. A lunar eclipse is observed when the sun, earth, and moon are in a straight line with an observer on the earth. A lunar eclipse, as observed by an observer on the earth would appear as a solar eclipse as observed by an observer on the moon.
During a solar eclipse, the alignment is the Sun, Moon, and Earth, with the Moon positioned between the Earth and the Sun. As the eclipse progresses outward toward the edge of the solar system, the alignment remains the same, with the Sun at the center and the Moon moving away from the inner planets towards the outer planets.
A lunar eclipse typically lasts longer than a solar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse can last up to a few hours, while a total solar eclipse usually lasts only a few minutes at any given location.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth. This alignment causes the Moon to temporarily obscure the Sun, leading to a solar eclipse.