How does a lunar eclipse occur? Science has the answer!

When the Moon passes in front of the Sun, human civilization can observe one of the most impressive events in nature, turning day into night for a few seconds: a total or partial solar eclipse. Conversely, A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and its shadow falls on the Moon.

Throughout the year, the natural satellite changes its appearance periodically, going through various phases; the Moon we observe in its full phase is very different from the Moon seen in its waning phase. However, it is important to emphasize that since our planet and our satellite rotate almost simultaneously, we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth. Hence the famous ‘hidden side’ of the Moon.

Another important point about the cosmic object is that it doesn’t actually shine. All the light that appears to be ’emitted’ by the lunar surface is simply light from the Sun reflected off the ‘ground’ of the Moon.

For some astronomy enthusiasts, lunar eclipses are even better than solar eclipses. Observers around the world can watch them without needing special glasses to protect their vision. Some types of solar eclipses can be viewed without protective equipment, but there is a risk of serious damage to your vision when viewing a total solar eclipse without eye protection.

“In a lunar eclipse, the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow opposite the Sun, so that the Earth’s shadow moves across the Moon’s surface. A lunar eclipse can be seen under similar conditions anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon. Lunar eclipses occur only at full moon and do not occur every month because the Moon’s orbital plane is inclined by about 5° with respect to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun (the ecliptic)”, as described in the Encyclopedia Britannica.

What is a lunar eclipse?

There are different types of lunar eclipses, but they all occur when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon; This spatial organization projects the shadow of the planet below the natural satellite, thus receiving the eclipse.

In 2024 The first lunar eclipse of the year occurred on March 25 and was of the penumbral type. In this case, the Moon passed through the Earth’s penumbra, causing a very slight darkening; most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The next major event is a partial lunar eclipse scheduled for September 2024, when it will be possible to observe a partial darkening of the celestial body.

Types of lunar eclipses:

• Penumbral lunar eclipse: It occurs when the Moon passes through the penumbra, the outermost part of the Earth’s shadow. The dim light is so faint that most people can’t see the dimming.
• Partial lunar eclipse: Occurs when part of the Moon enters the umbra, the darkest central region of the Earth’s shadow. During a partial eclipse, only part of the Moon’s surface will be darkened.
• Total lunar eclipse: In this type, the Earth’s shadow ‘perfectly matches’ the Moon’s surroundings. In a total eclipse, the entirety of the natural satellite will be covered by the shadow. In total lunar eclipses, the natural satellite is also called a ‘Blood Moon’ due to the reddish color the celestial body takes on during the event.

How to observe a lunar eclipse

Unlike solar eclipses, which can only be seen in a limited area of ​​the Earth, Lunar eclipses can be observed from any point on the planet that is night at the time of the event.

However, it is important to pay attention to the weather conditions on the day of the eclipse; if there is rain or clouds, the Moon may not be clearly visible. You can even use binoculars or a telescope for a better view, but all lunar eclipses are visible to the naked eye..

Observation of lunar eclipses depends on the region having good weather conditions and it being night time during the event. Places with less artificial lighting, such as rural areas, provide better imaging quality.

“Most calendar years have two lunar eclipses; some years, one or three, or none at all. An observer in the same location (and in a clear sky) might see 19 or 20 lunar eclipses in 18 years. During this period, three or four total eclipses and six or seven partial eclipses will be visible throughout, and five total eclipses and four or five partial eclipses will be at least partially visible.” The Encyclopædia Britannica adds:

When are the next lunar eclipses:

• Partial lunar eclipse – September 17 and 18, 2024;
• Total lunar eclipse – March 13 and 14, 2025;
• Total lunar eclipse – September 7 and 8, 2025;
• Total lunar eclipse – March 2 and 3, 2026;
• Partial lunar eclipse – August 27 and 28, 2026.

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