What is a Lunar Eclipse? Lunar eclipses occur when Earth’s blocks the sun’s light and the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its shadow (umbra).
When does lunar eclipse occur? A lunar eclipse can occur only at full moon. The moon’s orbit around Earth lies in a slightly different plane than Earth’s orbit around the sun – that’s why an eclipse doesn’t occur at every full moon.
How often eclipses happen? You can watch eclipse of the moon from 2 to 3 times each year.
What are the types of lunar eclipses? Total lunar eclipse - When the full disc of the Moon enters into the Earth’s shadow. Partial eclipse happens when only a portion of the Moon enters the shadow. Penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon travels only through the Earth’s penumbra (only a portion of the Sun’s light is obscured by the Earth). It can be partial or total penumbral eclipse.
When are the next lunar eclipses? Dates of next eclipses of the moon are:
2013 May 25 (penumbral). Will be seen in Americas and Africa.
2013 October 18 (penumbral). Will be seen in all continents except Australia.
2014 April 15 (total). Best Visibility in Australia and Americas.
2014 October 8 (total). Best to watch in Asia, Australia and Americas.
2015 April 4 (total). Will be observed in Asia, Australia and Americas.
2015 September 28 (total). Wll be visible in all continents except Australia.
How to watch a lunar eclipse? The total eclipse of the moon can be easily seen by the naked eye, but binoculars or a small telescope will bring out details in the lunar surface . An eclipse always begins from the left side of the Moon. Sadly, penumbral eclipse much fainter than the total one.
How long does lunar eclipse last? A lunar eclipse can last from several minutes to few hours.
