Eclipses are of two kinds: solar and lunar. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth. Such eclipses are either total, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun; annular, when the Moon is far from Earth and so covers the central part of the Sun, allowing the narrow ring of the Sun’s edge to shine around the Moon; or partial, when the Moon covers only some of the Sun. Lunar eclipses can be total, when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow; partial, when the Moon goes through only some of Earth’s shadow; or penumbral, when the ...(100 of 162 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!