Moon Phases and Eclipses

Moon Phases Half the Moon always is illuminated, but as it

orbits us, our view of the bright half changes.

Solar Eclipse = the Moon blocks our view of the Sun, i.e.

we are in the Moon’s shadow.

Total solar eclipse: November 13, 2012

Northern Australia

Australia Eclipse 1 Australia Eclipse 2

Lunar Eclipse = Earth blocks the Moon’s “view” of the

Sun, i.e. The Moon is in Earth’s shadow.

Why don’t we have a lunar eclipse every month?