LUNAR ECLIPSE

LUNAR ECLIPSE 

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. There are three main types of lunar eclipses:

1. Total Lunar Eclipse: The entire Moon enters the Earth's umbra (the central, darkest part of its shadow), causing the Moon to appear a deep red or copper color, often referred to as a "Blood Moon."
   

1. Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only a part of the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra, so only a portion of the Moon is darkened.
   
   

   
   
   

2. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra (the outer part of its shadow), causing a subtle shading on the Moon's surface. This type of eclipse is often hard to observe with the naked eye.

   
   
   

Safety Precautions

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. No special equipment is required.

Interesting Facts

• Color of the Moon: During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can take on a reddish hue due to Rayleigh scattering, where the Earth's atmosphere filters out blue light, leaving red light to illuminate the Moon.
• Frequency: Lunar eclipses occur about 2 to 5 times a year.
• Visibility: Lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on the night side of the Earth, making them more widely observable than solar eclipses.
• Duration: Lunar eclipses can last for several hours, with totality (the period during which the Moon is completely within the Earth's umbra) lasting up to about 1 hour and 40 minutes.