Question

Discuss and write:

Various eclipses and the conditions during the period.

Answer 1

1. During its revolution, when the moon comes between the sun and the earth, a shadow of the moon is cast on the earth and the sun cannot be seen from the part in the shadow. This is called a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is seen only on a new moon day. The solar eclipse may be either partial or total. Sometimes the solar disc is completely covered by the moon. This is the total solar eclipse. When the solar disc is not covered fully by the moon, we have a partial solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, ultra-violet rays which are harmful to us reach the earth. A solar eclipse should never be watched with the naked eye. A special type of goggles should be used for this purpose.
   
2. When the earth comes between the sun and the moon a shadow of the earth is cast on the moon and a part of the moon is covered. This is called the lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse is seen only on a full moon night. If the whole moon comes in the shadow of the earth, it is a total lunar eclipse. When the shadow of the earth is cast only on a part of the moon, it is a partial lunar eclipse. You can watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. A lunar eclipse can be seen over a period of a few hours.