A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely. This can only happen during a new moon phase. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular, depending on how much of the Sun is obscured. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. This can only occur during a full moon phase. Lunar eclipses can be total, partial, or penumbral, depending on how much of the Moon enters the Earth's shadow.