WHat makes a lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are aligned in such a way that the Earth blocks the direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, causing it to darken or take on a reddish hue. This alignment can only occur during a full moon phase.
The moon's orbit around the Earth is slightly tilted, so lunar eclipses do not happen every month. They occur when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are precisely or closely aligned in a straight line, with the Earth in the middle. The shadow cast by the Earth consists of two parts: the darker inner shadow called the umbra and the lighter outer shadow called the penumbra.
During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, causing a subtle darkening of the Moon's surface. This type of eclipse is less dramatic and may be harder to notice.
During a partial lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through a portion of the Earth's umbra. This results in a portion of the Moon appearing darkened.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes entirely through the Earth's umbra. This is the most captivating type of lunar eclipse, as the Moon can take on a reddish, coppery, or even blood-colored appearance. This happens because a small amount of sunlight is refracted or bent around the Earth's atmosphere, reaching the Moon and giving it a reddish glow. This light bending is similar to how sunsets or sunrises appear reddish due to scattering of shorter wavelengths of light.
Lunar eclipses are visible from different parts of the Earth, depending on the alignment and position of the observer. They can last for several hours, allowing people in different regions to witness the phenomenon.