What is one difference between a total solar and a total lunar eclipse? in a solar eclipse, the sun moves between earth and the moon. in a lunar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and earth. in a solar eclipse, it is earth that is caught in the umbra of the moon. in a lunar eclipse, it is the moon that is caught in the umbra of earth. a solar eclipse happens once every 28 days. a lunar eclipse happens only during a full moon. a solar eclipse can be viewed anywhere on earth. a lunar eclipse can only be seen from the side of earth facing the moon.