With all the news today about the total eclipse in India -- apparently the longest total eclipse of this century (Can't beleive I missed it!)-- I thought I would try to clarify some lingering questions about eclipses.... which of course led to more and more questions about space, the sun, solar radiation, etc.
Solar vs Lunar Eclipse
First, I heard the news announcer emphasize that this was a 'solar eclipse'. Since I know an eclipse involves the shadow falling on the earth when the moon comes between us (assuming you are on this earth with me) and the sun... what is the distinction between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse.
Simply enough: a lunar eclipse refers to an eclipse or a shadow falling across of the moon, while a solar eclipse involves an eclipse where the sun's light is blocked out. (Quote: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun, and the Earth's shadow obscures the moon or a portion of it. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or a portion of the Sun. )
Apparently lunar eclipses are only eclipses when there is a full moon and the shadow of the earth falls across the moon. (Because otherwise everything that wouldn't be a full moon or new moon would be an eclipse, wouldn't it?) This would happen monthly, except that the moon's orbit is slightly different than the earth's orbit around the sun (off by 5 degrees).
Another interesting note: when there is a total solar eclipse, you can see the sun's corona, or a white ring which appears to glow around the perimiter of the moon. I had heard that before, and assumed it was a phenomena as part of the outer edge of the sun peeked around or as light bled around the moon. But what I didn't know was that the 'corona' is an actual outer layer of the sun, and it is considered a 'scientific mystery.' Why? Because apparently the corona burns hotter, 200-300 TIMES hotter than on the surface of the sun! And scientists don't know why.
I even found one article that said that "the "earth in effect floats in the corona." Really? Does that have to do with the sun spots causing solar flares and damaging equipment? Does that have to do with the aurora borealis (I know those are 'solar winds' but is it related?) Does this mean the earth is actually enveloped in some 'sun-haze' or is it just we are within the range of the sun effects (like the sun is an ocean and the earth is on a sort of shore). Does this make sense?
Anyway, food for thought. I won't go new age-y and mention the article I found on corona's that migrane sufferers can sometimes see around living things....
References: http://www.moonconnection.com/lunar_vs_solar.phtml
-- http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Mystery-of-Sun-039-s-Corona-Deepens-Even-Further-80417.shtml
-- http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/1999/aug/11/eclipse.uknews4
-- http://www.migraine-aura.org/content/e27891/e27265/e26585/e48971/e49016/index_en.html
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