Half of Moon (and half of Earth) always illuminated
How much of sunlit half of Moon we see depends on its position
Complete lunar cycle also called a lunation
Solar eclipses
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun’s light either partially or completely. This causes the Sun to appear darkened from Earth for a short period of time.
Solar eclipses can be total or annular (or partial)
Moon not always the same distance away during an eclipse
Lunar eclipses
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth gets between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. This causes the Moon to look darker or even turn red.
Lunar eclipses more common than solar eclipses
During totality Moon not invisible but much fainter and reddish
