A penumbral eclipse is when the moon passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow, but this is very difficult to see.
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when a portion of the moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow. This is easy to see and can be viewed by the naked eye without any danger of damage to the eye whatsoever. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the whole moon disappears as it passes through the Earth's umbral shadow. This is when the moon emits very different vibrant colors which are breathtakingly beautiful.
Seeing a lunar eclipse depends on your location. When it is very visible in one part of the world, it can't be see in other parts. Only where it is night can you see the wonderful display of the eclipse. Such a phenomenon is very safe to watch. It is not even necessary to use a telescope and when you watch what a treat you are in for! The colors range from deep browns, very dark grays, various shades of brilliant reds and many shades of bright oranges. As the moon passes, these colors vary depending on the amount of dust in the Earth's atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to witness this spectacular show of beauty, the chances of seeing the same thing twice is pretty remote. A lunar eclipse is a rare event because it doesn't happen on a monthly basis. It only happens when the moon is in direct alignment with the Earth and the Sun. The sun and the moon are actually on opposite sides of the Earth. Most of the time the moon is tilted in respect to the Earth's orbit and passes either above or below the line where all three celestial bodies are in a straight line. It is only about every six months that conditions may be right for a lunar eclipse. Don't Miss the Next Show
Depending on where you live on this Earth, look up the time of the next eclipse in your area. Usually it is announced on the radio or television giving people ample time to enjoy the thrill of watching the Earth block out the moon with the most brilliant display. It is an amazing sight to see. For a closer look, use a telescope to bring the eclipse a little more up close and personal.
When people talk of a lunar eclipse or a solar eclipse, they are talking about events that take place out in space involving three celestial bodies: the Sun ("solar"), the moon ("lunar"), and the Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun, and the Earth's shadow obscures the moon or a portion of it. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or a portion of the Sun.
An eclipse can be total, partial, or annular. A total solar eclipse is when the moon blocks out the Sun entirely, a partial eclipse is when it blocks out a portion of the Sun, and an annular eclipse is when the moon is at its furthest point in orbit. It will not cover the Sun completely that's when you can see a thin ring of light emerging from the outside rim of the moon.
How are a lunar eclipse and solar eclipse different?
A lunar eclipse occurs at night and a solar eclipse occurs during the day. There are only certain times when either of them can occur. A lunar eclipse can only occur when the moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky — a full moon. Even though there is a full moon each month, obviously a lunar eclipse does not occur on a monthly basis because the Sun isn't exactly in line with the Earth and the moon. The moon's orbit is actually tilted 5 degrees more than that of the Earth; otherwise, we would see a lunar eclipse each month.
The reason that we see a lunar eclipse more readily than we see a solar eclipse has to do with the Earth's shadow. The Earth casts a much larger shadow on the moon during a lunar eclipse than the moon casts on the Sun in a solar eclipse. It is quite safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, while watching a solar eclipse without eyewear protection can seriously damage your eyesight. You can use a telescope to get a clearer view of the moon during an eclipse and really see what is happening.
A solar eclipse has always had a more profound effect on humans than a lunar eclipse. This is probably because of the importance of the Sun to all life on Earth. In ancient China, a solar eclipse was thought to be the dragon coming to eat the Sun. The effect that an eclipse has on all life on Earth is of particular interest to scientists. They eagerly await a solar eclipse because it helps them to gather more knowledge about the Sun and its position with respect to Earth.
Enter this link to see the Suns Daily position
Back to TWR