Lunar Eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the Earth covers the Moon. They can only occur when there is a full Moon and, like total solar eclipses, are quite rare.

  pic NASA

Penumbral Eclipse -         The Earth blocks out some light from the Sun. Not really noticeable from Earth without special equipment.

Partial Lunar Eclipse -     Part of the Moon is completely blocked of sunlight, i.e. is within the umbra shadow.

Total Lunar Eclipse -       All of the Moon falls within the umbra.

Sunlight which passes through the Earth's atmosphere is scattered, as in a sunrise or sunset, and the Moon appears a beautiful pale red colour.