which moon phases are occurring during a lunar and solar eclipse
Many people have the misconception that the phases of the Moon are caused by the earth's shadow across the Moon. This is not true. When the shadow of Earth moves across the Moon, we call it a lunar eclipse. When the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, it casts a small shadow on Earth, and people inside that shadow see a solar eclipse. Both these events are rare, happening only about every 6 months. Moon phases are the result of the Moon's own shadow -- like Earth, only one half of the body is lit at a time. Sometimes the lit side is pointed toward Earth, and we see the reflected light. Sometimes the shadow or night side is pointed toward Earth, and we only see a crescent Moon.