Explain how a lunar eclipse differs from a solar eclipse?

Answer 1

The basic difference is when a lunar elise happens the earths shadow falls on the moon and therefore the moon is not illuminated, with a solar eclipse the moons shadow falls on the earth and the sun is covered by the moon. In both cases the sun moon and earth have to be 'in line'. Lunar eclipse; Sun, earth, moon. Solar eclipse; Sun, moon, earth. It is one of the great coincidences that the moons' size and distance from the earth almost matches the apparent size of the sun, hence we can have the type of total eclipse that we do. If the moon was any bigger or smaller or if it was more distant or nearer to earth this would not be quite the case.

Answer 2

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the moon. In contrast, during a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on Earth and partially or fully blocking out the sun.