What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse is when the Moon passes into the Earth’s umbra, or total shadow. This can only happen at a full Moon when the Sun, Earth and the Moon are exactly in line. During the total phase of the eclipse, those under otherwise dark skies away from city lights should notice a distinct darkening of their surroundings as more stars emerge in the sky. The dimming of the Moon should present a beautiful photo opportunity as the Moon will have dimmed from -12Mag to -6. Dim stars around the Moon will be visible and the Milky Way should appear in the sky. A lunar eclipse can be enjoyed with the naked eye. But optical aids offer the chance to better investigate craters on the Moon and the subtle shading and colouring of the eclipse. If you plan to watch more than just a few minutes of the eclipse, seasoned observers recommend dressing warmer than you think necessary and bringing food and hot drinks. A chair or blanket will make the experience more enjoyable. The various stages, fully
A lunar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Earth blocks all or part of the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the moon and thus creating a shadow across the moon. A lunar eclipse can happen between two and four times per year. There are three types of lunar eclipses, two of which are visible to anyone on the nighttime side of the Earth when the eclipse occurs. The moon orbits the Earth every 29.5 days. The circling of the moon around the Earth causes the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are: New, New Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Old Crescent. With the exception of the New Moon, the various phases of the moon are visible and easily identified. For a lunar eclipse to occur, the moon must be in the Full phase and pass through some portion of the Earth’s shadow. Depending on the location and alignment of the sun, the Earth, and the moon, one of three types of eclipses can occur. A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse oc
