WHY DO ECLIPSES HAPPEN ?

                        WHY DO ECLIPSES HAPPEN ?

 ECLIPSES occur when the alignment of the sun , the moon and Earth result in shadows cast by one on other                                                                                                                            

A solar eclipse (shown at right, with the moon to the left of Earth) occurs when the moon passes directly be- tween Earth and the sun, blocking the sun from view. A lunar eclipse (shown at right, with the moon to the right of Earth)occurs when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon. The moon passes into Earth's shadow, or umbra, and dims temporarily. A total solar eclipse can last up to 7.5 minutes. A total lunar eclipse can last up to 100 minutes.