Eclipses

Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when one celestial body passes into the shadow of another. An eclipse can either be a solar or lunar event, depending on whether it is caused by the Sun passing in front of the Moon (lunar) or if it is caused by the Earth’s shadow blocking out some or all of the light from its own star – The Sun (solar). In both cases, an eclipse occurs as a result of a line-up between three bodies: The Sun, Moon and Earth.

Solar eclipses occur when the position that planets occupy in their orbits places them directly between each other so that one casts its shadow onto another. This phenomenon has fascinated humanity since ancient times and was often seen as an omen portending ill fortune for whatever region experienced it first hand. Solar eclipses were sometimes believed to cause chaos and disruption in nature – from animals panicking to plants withering away due to lack of light – but science has debunked these myths over time.

Lunar eclipses happen when our planet moves directly between The Sun and Moon during their monthly orbit around each other. During this alignment, part or all of the sunlight will not reach certain parts facing towards us; causing areas those sections appear darker than usual for varying lengths determined by atmospheric conditions such as dust particles which block more light than air alone would do . As with solar eclipses , humans have long been enthralled with what they signify though most cultures no longer see them as omens suggesting bad luck..

The two types differ greatly beyond just where they originate from; while total darkness accompanies a full solar eclipse , only partial dimming takes place during lunar ones due to refraction off our atmosphere being enought provide illumination even at night . Furthermore , whereas viewers must always wear protective eyewear safety glasses during viewing any kind solar event ; observers watching moon go dark usually don’t need anything special aside perhaps binoculars better appreciate details .

In conclusion , astronomic phenomena known collectively “eclipse” represent somewhat mysterious yet fascinating aspects life universe which continue captivate people across globe centuries later …