Whats the Difference Between a Penumbral Eclipse and a Partial Eclipse?
As I mentioned earlier, in 2009 we will experience three penumbral eclipses and one partion eclipse. We will not experience a total lunar eclipse in 2009. A Penumbral eclipse is when the Moon passes through Earth’s penumbral shadow. So you won’t see any part of the moon disappear in a penumbral eclipse, but you will definitely see a shadow on the moon as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. Here’s an example of a penumbral lunar eclipse: A partial eclipse is when a portion of the Moon passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. In a partial eclipse, part of the moon will actually disappear as it passes through the Earth’s shadow, making it much easier to see with the naked eye than a penumbral eclipse. Here’s an example of a partial lunar eclipse: The only partial lunar eclipse that will occur in 2009 will be on December 31.
