Eclipse (Grahan) -- ग्रहण Ashburn, Virginia, America (United States)

An eclipse occurs when one heavenly body such as a moon or planet moves into the shadow of another heavenly body. The Moon moves in an orbit around Earth. At the same time, Earth orbits the Sun. Sometimes Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon. When this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that normally is reflected by the Moon. (This sunlight is what causes the Moon to shine.) Instead of light hitting the Moon’s surface, Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. This is an eclipse of the Moon, or a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse can occur only when the Moon is full. When the Moon orbits Earth, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. When this happens, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching Earth. This causes an eclipse of the Sun, or a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow onto Earth.

To learn about Solar eclipses and its date in your area click on the Solar eclipse button. To Learn about Lunar eclipse and its dates in your area click on the Lunar eclipse button.