Lunar Eclipses 2020 to 2045

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Lunar Eclipse Types

There are three main types of eclipses of the moon, all are the result of the Earth casting a shadow across all or part of the full moon. However, not all eclipses are equal, and this depends on both how much and what part of the Earth's shadow is cast across the moon. The cause of the eclipse is always the same though; when the Sun, Earth and Moon are in alignment.

Penumbral Eclipse

Penumbral Eclipse

Probably the least impressive kind of lunar eclipse this is where the outer part of the earth's shadow (the penumbra) covers the moon. The overall effect is somewhat subtle, and if you don't know it is in progress you may well miss it.

Partial Eclipse

Partial Eclipse

As the name suggests a partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the moon's face is thrown into shadow. Unlike the penumbral eclipse the noticeable part of the shadow is formed by the umbra - the central part of the Earth's shadow. As partial eclipses proceed you will see the shadow growing across the face of the Moon before receding. How much of the Moon the shadow covers depends on the magnitude of the eclipse.

Total Eclipse

Total Eclipse

When a perfect alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon occurs the conditions for a total lunar eclipse are set. In these most impressive eclipses the moon is completely covered by the central part of the Earth's shadow (the umbra). Not only does the whole Moon become darker as the shadow creeps across its face but it takes on an orange or red hue. For this reason this event is also knowns as a Blood Moon, not that there is anything sinister about it - it's just the Sun's light being diffused and flitered through Earth's atmosphere that causes the red tint.

Lunar Eclipse Calendar