Lunar eclipse • Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse: A Celestial Event A lunar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. This event happens only during a full moon when the three celestial bodies are precisely aligned. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the Sun's direct light from reaching the Moon, creating a shadow that falls on the Moon's surface. There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is fully obscured by the Earth's shadow, while a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's faint outer shadow, or penumbra, causing the Moon to appear slightly dimmed. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon often appears reddish or coppery in color, which is known as a "blood moon." This effect is due t...