193k views
3 votes
You are less likely to see a total solar eclipse than a total lunar eclipse because

2 Answers

7 votes
I'd say that it's because the umbra of the moon only covers a small area of Earth's surface
User Robert Seder
by
7.3k points
6 votes
A lunar eclipse happens on the moon. The moon passes through
the Earth's shadow, and the moon's surface becomes dark for a while.
Anybody on Earth who can SEE the moon during that time can see the
effects of the eclipse. That's everybody on the half of the Earth where
it's night-time.

A solar eclipse happens on the Earth. The moon's skinny shadow falls
on the Earth's surface, and the people UNDER that shadow see part
or all of the sun missing for a while. That's only the people who are in
the right places at the right times.

So, if you're in one place and don't move around, you have a much
greater chance of eventually seeing a lunar eclipse than a solar one.