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Understanding the mechanics and astrological significance of solar and lunar eclipses
Eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon are near the Rahu-Ketu axis — the two points where the Moon's orbital plane intersects the ecliptic. This axis is not a physical object but a geometrical point, and ancient Indian astronomers recognized its importance thousands of years before telescopes existed.
Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan)
Occurs at New Moon (Amavasya) when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. The Moon blocks the Sun's light. This only happens when the New Moon is within approximately 15° of Rahu or Ketu. Types: total (Moon fully covers Sun), annular (Moon slightly smaller, creating a ring), partial (partial coverage).
Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan)
Occurs at Full Moon (Purnima) when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon. Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Requires the Full Moon to be within approximately 18° of a node. The wider threshold (vs. 15° for solar) is because Earth's shadow is larger than the Moon's. Lunar eclipses are visible from the entire nightside of Earth.
Eclipse Frequency
There are approximately 4-7 eclipses per year globally — a mix of solar and lunar. However, only 2-3 are typically visible from any given location. Eclipses come in "seasons" about 6 months apart, when the Sun is near the nodal axis. Each season produces 2-3 eclipses within a few weeks.
The Moon's orbit is tilted about 5° relative to the ecliptic (the Sun's apparent path). So at most New and Full Moons, the Moon passes above or below the Sun's plane — no alignment, no eclipse. Only when a lunation coincides with the Moon being near one of its two nodes (Rahu or Ketu) does the alignment become close enough for an eclipse.