Lunar eclipse: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Lunar eclipse 04-15-2014 by R Jay GaBany.jpg|thumb|alt=A total lunar eclipse|Composite image of the [[April 2014 lunar eclipse|April 2014 total lunar eclipse]] from [[Charleston, West Virginia]], | {{More citations needed|date=September 2025}}<!-- The Term Blood Moon is only used on a Full Lunar Moon, no additional information is needed for lead section. --> | ||
[[File:Lunar eclipse 04-15-2014 by R Jay GaBany.jpg|thumb|alt=A total lunar eclipse|Composite image of the [[April 2014 lunar eclipse|April 2014 total lunar eclipse]] as viewed from [[Charleston, West Virginia]]]][[File:Geometry of a Lunar Eclipse.svg|thumb|alt=geometry diagram|A schematic diagram of the shadow cast by Earth. Within the [[umbra]], the central region, the planet totally shields direct [[sunlight]]. In contrast, within the [[penumbra]], the outer portion, the sunlight is only partially blocked. [[Sun]], [[Moon]], and Earth sizes and distances between them not to scale.]]A '''lunar eclipse,''' also called a '''blood moon''', is an [[astronomical event]] that occurs when the [[Moon]] orbits through [[Earth's shadow]].{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://earthsky.org/tonight/centurys-longest-lunar-eclipse-july-27 |title=Century's Longest Lunar Eclipse July 27 |last=McClure |first=Bruce |date=27 July 2018 |website=[[EarthSky]] |access-date=1 August 2018}}</ref>{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-08 |title=Blood Moon 2025: Incredible pictures from around the world |url=https://www.bbc.com/newsround/articles/c1wgjrex3w9o |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=BBC Newsround |language=en-GB}}</ref> Lunar eclipses occur during [[eclipse season]], when the Moon's [[Ecliptic|orbital plane]] is approximately in line with [[Earth]] and the [[Sun]]. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moon's proximity to the [[lunar node]].{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eclipses - NASA Science |url=https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses/ |access-date=13 May 2024 |website=science.nasa.gov |date=6 June 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA - Periodicity of Lunar Eclipses |url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEsaros/LEperiodicity.html |access-date=13 May 2024 |website=eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov}}</ref> In contrast with illusive and short-lasting [[solar eclipse|solar eclipses]], lunar eclipses can be observed from anywhere on the [[night]] side of Earth and often last for an hour or longer.<ref>{{cite web |title= Solar and Lunar Eclipses |url= https://www.weather.gov/fsd/suneclipse |publisher=NOAA National Weather Service |access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref> Lunar eclipses are safe to observe without [[astronomical filter|eye protection]].<ref name="usatoday">{{cite web |last1=Shafiq |first1=Saman |title=Is the total lunar eclipse safe to look at? What to know about viewing the rare occurrence |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/13/total-lunar-eclipse-safety-viewing-glasses/82364602007/ |website=[[USA TODAY]] |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref> | |||
Lunar eclipses are notable for causing the Moon to appear [[orange (color)|orange]] or [[red (color)|red]]. This occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's [[umbra]], necessitating any [[sunlight]] that reaches the Moon to first pass through the Earth's [[atmosphere]]. The resulting [[Rayleigh scattering]] removes high-wavelength colors such as [[violet (color)|violet]] and [[blue (color)|blue]] from the incoming light before it reflects off the lunar surface and is observed on Earth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses/|title=Eclipses and the Moon|publisher=[[NASA]]}}</ref> | |||
== Types of lunar eclipses == | |||
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2025}} | |||
=== Penumbral lunar eclipse === | === Penumbral lunar eclipse === | ||
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when | A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's silhouette partially blocks the Sun in the lunar sky but does not occlude it completely, ensuring some sunlight can still reach the Moon directly. The designation refers to the Moon being partially inside of the [[penumbra]], which describes the region of any shadow that is cast by a light source which is not [[Collimated beam|collimated]] and has a non-zero [[angular diameter]]. A penumbral eclipse is designated as a [[total penumbral lunar eclipse|total penumbral eclipse]] if the moon lies exclusively inside of the penumbra. | ||
Penumbral eclipses are observed from Earth as a subtle dimming of the lunar surface.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web |title= Solar and Lunar Eclipses |url= https://www.weather.gov/fsd/suneclipse |publisher=NOAA National Weather Service |access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses/|title=Eclipses and the Moon|publisher=[[NASA]]}}</ref> Of all lunar eclipses, approximately one-third are penumbral eclipses; of those, only 3% are total penumbral eclipses.<ref name="Espenak_Meeus_2009">{{cite web | first1=Fred | last1=Espenak | first2=Jean | last2=Meeus | title=Five Millennium Catalog of Lunar Eclipses: -1999 to +3000 (2000 BCE to 3000 CE) | publisher=NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | date=January 2009 | url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20090028006/downloads/20090028006.pdf | access-date=2025-08-14 }}</ref> [[File:Eclipse_lunar_2019.gif|thumb|alt=animated time-lapse of partial lunar eclipse|Partiality of the [[July 2019 lunar eclipse|eclipse on 17 July 2019]] observed from [[Gloucestershire]], [[United Kingdom|UK]]|left|174x174px]] | |||
[[File:2007-03-03 - Lunar Eclipse small-43img.gif|thumb|left|alt=animated time-lapse of total lunar eclipse|Timelapse of the total lunar eclipse on 4 March 2007]] | |||
=== Partial lunar eclipse === | === Partial lunar eclipse === | ||
A partial lunar eclipse refers to the Moon lying partially inside of the [[Umbra, penumbra and antumbra|umbra]], where the relative size of the Earth in the lunar sky allows it to block the Sun entirely. During a partial eclipse, the dark region covered by the umbra will appear more much more distinct than the penumbral dimming. | |||
The Moon's average [[orbital speed]] is about {{convert|2300|mph|km/s|abbr=on|sigfig=3|order=flip}}, or a little more than its diameter per hour, so totality may last up to nearly 107{{nbsp}}minutes. Nevertheless, the total time between the first and last contacts of the Moon's limb with Earth's shadow is much longer and could last up to 236{{nbsp}}minutes.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite book | last=Karttunen | first=Hannu | display-editors=1 | editor1-first=Hannu | editor1-last=Karttunen | editor2-first=Pekka| editor2-last=Kröger | editor3-first=Heikki | editor3-last=Oja | editor4-first=Markku | editor4-last=Poutanen | editor5-first=Karl Johan | editor5-last=Donner | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DjeVdb0sLEAC&pg=PA139 | title=Fundamental Astronomy | date=2007 | publisher=Springer | edition=5th | isbn=978-3-540-34144-4 | page=139 }}</ref> | |||
=== Total lunar eclipse === | === Total lunar eclipse === | ||
When the Moon's near side entirely passes into the Earth's umbral shadow, a total lunar eclipse occurs.{{zwj}}{{Sfn|Link|1969|p=2}} Just prior to complete entry, the brightness of the lunar limb—the curved edge of the Moon still being hit by direct sunlight—will cause the rest of the Moon to appear comparatively dim. The moment the Moon enters a complete eclipse, the entire surface will become more or less uniformly bright, being able to reveal stars surrounding it. Later, as the Moon's opposite limb is struck by sunlight, the overall disk will again become obscured. | |||
When the Moon's near side entirely passes into the Earth's umbral shadow, a total lunar eclipse occurs.{{Sfn|Link|1969|p=2}} Just prior to complete entry, the brightness of the lunar limb—the curved edge of the Moon still being hit by direct sunlight—will cause the rest of the Moon to appear comparatively dim. The moment the Moon enters a complete eclipse, the entire surface will become more or less uniformly bright, being able to reveal stars surrounding it. Later, as the Moon's opposite limb is struck by sunlight, the overall disk will again become obscured. This is because, as viewed from the Earth, the brightness of a lunar limb is generally greater than that of the rest of the surface due to reflections from the many surface irregularities within the limb: sunlight striking these irregularities is always reflected back in greater quantities than that striking more central parts, which is why the edges of full moons generally appear brighter than the rest of the lunar surface. This is similar to the effect of [[velvet]] fabric over a convex curved surface, which, to an observer, will appear darkest at the center of the curve. It will be true of any planetary body with little or no atmosphere and an irregular cratered surface (e.g., Mercury) when viewed opposite the Sun.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astronomy.com/magazine/stephen-omeara/2018/11/copy-of-lunar-limb-magic|title=Lunar Limb Magic|work=Astronomy.com|date=27 November 2018}}</ref> | |||
This is because, as viewed from the Earth, the brightness of a lunar limb is generally greater than that of the rest of the surface, due to reflections from the many surface irregularities within the limb: sunlight striking these irregularities is always reflected back in greater quantities than that striking more central parts, which is why the edges of full moons generally appear brighter than the rest of the lunar surface. This is similar to the effect of [[velvet]] fabric over a convex curved surface, which, to an observer, will appear darkest at the center of the curve. It will be true of any planetary body with little or no atmosphere and an irregular cratered surface (e.g., Mercury) when viewed opposite the Sun.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://astronomy.com/magazine/stephen-omeara/2018/11/copy-of-lunar-limb-magic|title=Lunar Limb Magic|work=Astronomy.com|date=27 November 2018}}</ref> | |||
=== Central lunar eclipse === | === Central lunar eclipse === | ||
When, during a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes near and through the centre of Earth's shadow, contacting the [[antisolar point]], it is classified as a central lunar eclipse.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite book | last1=Westfall | first1=John | title=Celestial Shadows: Eclipses, Transits, and Occultations | last2=Sheehan | first2=William | publisher=Springer | year=2014 | isbn=978-1493915354 | pages=50 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W9mLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA50 }}</ref> This type of lunar eclipse is [[list of central lunar eclipses|less frequent]], occurring in 59.6% of all total lunar eclipses.{{zwj}}<ref name="Espenak_Meeus_2009" /> | |||
The [[lunar distance (astronomy)|relative distance]] of the Moon from Earth at the time of an eclipse can affect the eclipse's duration. In particular, when the Moon is near [[apogee]], the farthest point from Earth in [[orbit of the Moon|its orbit]], its [[orbital speed]] is the slowest. The diameter of Earth's umbra does not decrease appreciably within the changes in the Moon's orbital distance. Thus, the concurrence of a totally eclipsed Moon near apogee will lengthen the duration of totality. | The [[lunar distance (astronomy)|relative distance]] of the Moon from Earth at the time of an eclipse can affect the eclipse's duration. In particular, when the Moon is near [[apogee]], the farthest point from Earth in [[orbit of the Moon|its orbit]], its [[orbital speed]] is the slowest. The diameter of Earth's umbra does not decrease appreciably within the changes in the Moon's orbital distance. Thus, the concurrence of a totally eclipsed Moon near apogee will lengthen the duration of totality.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite book | title=Our Celestial Clockwork: From Ancient Origins To Modern Astronomy Of The Solar System | first=Richard | last=Kerner | publisher=World Scientific | year=2021 | isbn=9789811214615 | page=95 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5WZEEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA95 }}</ref> | ||
=== Selenelion === | === Selenelion === | ||
[[File:Lunar eclipse at sunrise Minneapolis October 2014.png|thumb|[[October 2014 lunar eclipse]] viewed from [[Minneapolis]] during [[sunrise]] on 8 October 2014. Both the Moon and Sun were visible at that time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Day and Night World Map |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html?day=8&month=10&year=2014&hour=7&min=25&sec=0&n=159&ntxt=Minneapolis&earth=0 |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=www.timeanddate.com |language=en}}</ref>]] | [[File:Lunar eclipse at sunrise Minneapolis October 2014.png|thumb|alt=photo collage|[[October 2014 lunar eclipse]] viewed from [[Minneapolis]] during [[sunrise]] on 8 October 2014. Both the Moon and Sun were visible at that time.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Day and Night World Map |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html?day=8&month=10&year=2014&hour=7&min=25&sec=0&n=159&ntxt=Minneapolis&earth=0 |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=www.timeanddate.com |language=en}}</ref>]] | ||
A ''selenelion'' or ''selenehelion'', also called a ''horizontal eclipse'', occurs where and when both the Sun and an eclipsed Moon can be observed at the same time. The event can only be observed just before [[sunset]] or just after [[sunrise]], when both bodies will appear just above opposite [[horizon]]s at nearly [[opposition (planets)|opposite points]] in the sky. A selenelion occurs during every total lunar eclipse—it is an experience of the ''observer'', not a planetary ''event'' separate from the lunar eclipse itself. Typically, observers on Earth located on high mountain ridges undergoing [[false sunrise]] or [[false sunset]] ''at the same moment of a total lunar eclipse'' will be able to experience it. Although during selenelion the Moon is completely within the Earth's umbra, both it and the Sun can be observed in the sky because [[atmospheric refraction]] causes each body to [[ | A ''selenelion'' or ''selenehelion'', also called a ''horizontal eclipse'', occurs where and when both the Sun and an eclipsed Moon can be observed at the same time. The event can only be observed just before [[sunset]] or just after [[sunrise]], when both bodies will appear just above opposite [[horizon]]s at nearly [[opposition (planets)|opposite points]] in the sky. A selenelion occurs during every total lunar eclipse—it is an experience of the ''observer'', not a planetary ''event'' separate from the lunar eclipse itself. Typically, observers on Earth located on high mountain ridges undergoing [[false sunrise]] or [[false sunset]] ''at the same moment of a total lunar eclipse'' will be able to experience it. Although during selenelion the Moon is completely within the Earth's umbra, both it and the Sun can be observed in the sky because [[atmospheric refraction]] causes each body to [[Superior mirage|appear higher]] (i.e., more central) in the sky than its true geometric planetary position.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=Kelly Beatty |title=In Search of Selenelion |date=26 June 2010 |url=http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/observingblog/97224024.html |website=[[Sky & Telescope]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220123836/http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/observingblog/97224024.html |archive-date=20 December 2011 |access-date=8 December 2011}}</ref> | ||
== Timing == | == Timing == | ||
[[File:Lunar eclipse contact diagram.svg|thumb|Contact points relative to the Earth's umbral and penumbral shadows, here with the Moon near | [[File:Lunar eclipse contact diagram.svg|thumb|alt=Diagram showing labeling of Earth–Moon contact points during a lunar eclipse|Contact points relative to the Earth's umbral and penumbral shadows, here with the Moon near its descending node]] | ||
The timing of total lunar eclipses is determined by what are known as its "contacts" (moments of contact with Earth's shadow):<ref>{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Kevin|title=On the nature of eclipses|url=http://www.inconstantmoon.com/cyc_ecl1.htm|work=Inconstant Moon|publisher=Cyclopedia Selenica|access-date=19 December 2010}}</ref> | The timing of total lunar eclipses is determined by what are known as its "contacts" (moments of contact with Earth's shadow):{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Kevin|title=On the nature of eclipses|url=http://www.inconstantmoon.com/cyc_ecl1.htm|work=Inconstant Moon|publisher=Cyclopedia Selenica|access-date=19 December 2010}}</ref> | ||
* ''P1'' (''First contact''): Beginning of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra touches the Moon's outer limb. | * ''P1'' (''First contact''): Beginning of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra touches the Moon's outer limb. | ||
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* ''P4'' (''Sixth contact''): End of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra no longer makes contact with the Moon. | * ''P4'' (''Sixth contact''): End of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra no longer makes contact with the Moon. | ||
== Danjon scale == | == <span lang="fr">Danjon</span> scale == | ||
[[File:Blood Moon.svg|thumb|The Moon does not completely darken as it passes through the umbra because [[Earth's atmosphere]] [[atmospheric refraction|refracts]] [[sunlight]] into the shadow cone.]]The following scale (the [[Danjon scale]]) was devised by [[André Danjon]] for rating the overall darkness of lunar eclipses:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/eclipses/3304036.html |title=Observing and Photographing Lunar Eclipses |last1=Deans |first1=Paul |last2=MacRobert |first2=Alan M. |date=16 July 2006 |website=[[Sky & Telescope]] |publisher=[[F+W]] |access-date=7 January 2007 |archive-date=20 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520233320/http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/eclipses/3304036.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | [[File:Blood Moon.svg|thumb|alt=diagram showing the Earth's atmosphere refracting sunlight into Earth's shadow|The Moon does not completely darken as it passes through the umbra because [[Earth's atmosphere]] [[atmospheric refraction|refracts]] [[sunlight]] into the shadow cone.]] | ||
The following scale (the [[Danjon scale|{{langr|fr|Danjon|cat=no}} scale]]) was devised by {{langr|fr|[[André Danjon]]}} for rating the overall darkness of lunar eclipses:{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/eclipses/3304036.html |title=Observing and Photographing Lunar Eclipses |last1=Deans |first1=Paul |last2=MacRobert |first2=Alan M. |date=16 July 2006 |website=[[Sky & Telescope]] |publisher=[[F+W]] |access-date=7 January 2007 |archive-date=20 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520233320/http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/eclipses/3304036.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
* ''L'' = 0: Very dark eclipse. Moon almost invisible, especially at mid-totality. | * ''L'' = 0: Very dark eclipse. Moon almost invisible, especially at mid-totality. | ||
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* ''L'' = 4: Very bright copper-red or orange eclipse. Umbral shadow is bluish and has a very bright rim. | * ''L'' = 4: Very bright copper-red or orange eclipse. Umbral shadow is bluish and has a very bright rim. | ||
== Lunar versus solar | == Lunar versus solar eclipses == | ||
[[File:Lunar eclipse oct 8 2014 Minneapolis 4 46am.png|thumb|320px|In a lunar eclipse, the Moon often passes through two regions of [[Earth's shadow]]: an outer penumbra, where direct sunlight is dimmed, and an inner umbra, where indirect and much dimmer sunlight [[atmospheric refraction|refracted]] by Earth's atmosphere shines on the Moon, leaving a reddish color. This can be seen in different exposures of a partial lunar eclipse, for example here with exposures of 1/80, 2/5, and 2 seconds.]] | {{More citations needed section|date=September 2025}} | ||
[[File:Lunar eclipse oct 8 2014 Minneapolis 4 46am.png|thumb|320px|alt=photo collage|In a lunar eclipse, the Moon often passes through two regions of [[Earth's shadow]]: an outer penumbra, where direct sunlight is dimmed, and an inner umbra, where indirect and much dimmer sunlight [[atmospheric refraction|refracted]] by Earth's atmosphere shines on the Moon, leaving a reddish color. This can be seen in different exposures of a partial lunar eclipse, for example here with exposures of 1/80, 2/5, and 2 seconds.]] | |||
There is often confusion between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse. While both involve interactions between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon, they are very different in their interactions. | There is often confusion between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse. While both involve interactions between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon, they are very different in their interactions. | ||
The Moon does not completely darken as it passes through the umbra because of the [[atmospheric refraction|refraction]] of [[sunlight]] by [[Earth's atmosphere]] into the shadow cone; if Earth had no atmosphere, the Moon would be completely dark during the eclipse.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat5/appearance.html |title=Visual Appearance of Lunar Eclipses |last1=Espenak |first1=Fred |last2=Meeus |first2=Jean |publisher=NASA |quote=The troposphere and stratosphere act together as a ring-shaped lens that refracts heavily reddened sunlight into Earth's umbral shadow.}}</ref> The reddish coloration arises because sunlight reaching the Moon must pass through a long and dense layer of Earth's atmosphere, where it is [[Rayleigh scattering|scattered]]. Shorter [[wavelength]]s are more likely to be scattered by the air molecules and [[particulates|small particles]]; thus, the longer wavelengths predominate by the time the light rays have penetrated the atmosphere. Human vision perceives this resulting light as [[red]]. This is the same effect that causes [[sunset]]s and [[sunrise]]s to turn the sky a reddish color. An alternative way of conceiving this scenario is to realize that, as viewed from the Moon, the Sun would appear to be setting (or rising) behind Earth. | The Moon does not completely darken as it passes through the umbra because of the [[atmospheric refraction|refraction]] of [[sunlight]] by [[Earth's atmosphere]] into the shadow cone; if Earth had no atmosphere, the Moon would be completely dark during the eclipse.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat5/appearance.html |title=Visual Appearance of Lunar Eclipses |last1=Espenak |first1=Fred |last2=Meeus |first2=Jean |publisher=NASA |quote=The troposphere and stratosphere act together as a ring-shaped lens that refracts heavily reddened sunlight into Earth's umbral shadow.}}</ref> The reddish coloration arises because sunlight reaching the Moon must pass through a long and dense layer of Earth's atmosphere, where it is [[Rayleigh scattering|scattered]]. Shorter [[wavelength]]s are more likely to be scattered by the air molecules and [[particulates|small particles]]; thus, the longer wavelengths predominate by the time the light rays have penetrated the atmosphere. Human vision perceives this resulting light as [[red]]. This is the same effect that causes [[sunset]]s and [[sunrise]]s to turn the sky a reddish color.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite book | chapter=Comets, Meteors, and the Zodiacal Light | first=O. V. | last=Dobrovol'skii | page=307 | title=Physics of the Solar System | series=A Course in Astrophysics and Stellar Astronomy | volume=3 | editor-first=A. A. | editor-last=Mikhailov | publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration | year=1966 | chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hwKJg-TPlbwC&pg=PA307 }}</ref> An alternative way of conceiving this scenario is to realize that, as viewed from the Moon, the Sun would appear to be setting (or rising) behind Earth. | ||
The amount of refracted light depends on the amount of [[particulates|dust]] or [[cloud]]s in the atmosphere; this also controls how much light is scattered. In general, the dustier the atmosphere, the more that other wavelengths of light will be removed (compared to red light), leaving the resulting light a deeper red color. This causes the resulting coppery-red hue of the Moon to vary from one eclipse to the next. Volcanoes are notable for expelling large quantities of dust into the atmosphere, and a large eruption shortly before an eclipse can have a large effect on the resulting color. | The amount of refracted light depends on the amount of [[particulates|dust]] or [[cloud]]s in the atmosphere; this also controls how much light is scattered. In general, the dustier the atmosphere, the more that other wavelengths of light will be removed (compared to red light), leaving the resulting light a deeper red color. This causes the resulting coppery-red hue of the Moon to vary from one eclipse to the next. Volcanoes are notable for expelling large quantities of dust into the atmosphere, and a large eruption shortly before an eclipse can have a large effect on the resulting color.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite journal | title=Lunar eclipse brightness and the terrestrial atmosphere | last=Di Giovanni | first=G. | journal=Journal of the British Astronomical Association | volume=128 | issue=1 | pages=10–17 | date=February 2018 | bibcode=2018JBAA..128...10D }}</ref> | ||
[[File:Eclipse Christophe Colomb.jpg|thumb|[[Christopher Columbus]] predicting [[March 1504 lunar eclipse|a lunar eclipse]]]] | [[File:Eclipse Christophe Colomb.jpg|thumb|alt=Drawing of Christopher Columbus gesturing to a lunar eclipse in the sky, with indigenous Americans gathered around him|[[Christopher Columbus]] predicting [[March 1504 lunar eclipse|a lunar eclipse]]]] | ||
== In culture == | == In culture == | ||
{{main|Eclipses in mythology and culture}} | {{main|Eclipses in mythology and culture}} | ||
Several cultures have [[myth]]s related to lunar eclipses or allude to the lunar eclipse as being a good or bad [[omen]]. The [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptians]] saw the eclipse as a sow swallowing the Moon for a short time; other cultures view the eclipse as the Moon being swallowed by other animals, such as a [[jaguar]] in [[Mayan mythology|Mayan]] tradition, or a mythical three-legged toad known as [[Jin Chan|Chan Chu]] in [[Chinese mythology|China]].{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Some societies thought it was a demon swallowing the Moon, and that they could chase it away by throwing stones and curses at it.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Littmann |first1=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UOnH01tv078C |title=Totality Eclipses of the Sun |last2=Espenak |first2=Fred |last3=Willcox |first3=Ken |date=2008 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-953209-4 |edition=3rd |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 4: Eclipses in Mythology}}</ref> | The symbol for a lunar eclipse (or any body in the shadow of another) is{{nbsp}}[[File:Lunar eclipse symbol.svg|alt=A box containing dots in its upper-right and lower-left corners, connected by a diagonal line|🝶]] ([[U+1F776]]{{nbsp}}🝶). | ||
Several cultures have [[myth]]s related to lunar eclipses or allude to the lunar eclipse as being a good or bad [[omen]]. The [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptians]] saw the eclipse as a [[pig|sow]] swallowing the Moon for a short time; other cultures view the eclipse as the Moon being swallowed by other animals, such as a [[jaguar]] in [[Mayan mythology|Mayan]] tradition, or a mythical three-legged toad known as [[Jin Chan|{{langr|zh-Latn|Chan Chu|cat=no}}]] in [[Chinese mythology|China]].{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Some societies thought it was a demon swallowing the Moon, and that they could chase it away by throwing stones and curses at it.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Littmann |first1=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UOnH01tv078C |title=Totality Eclipses of the Sun |last2=Espenak |first2=Fred |last3=Willcox |first3=Ken |date=2008 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-953209-4 |edition=3rd |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 4: Eclipses in Mythology}}</ref> [[Ancient Greeks]] understood the Earth was round, citing the Earth's shadow observed during a lunar eclipse as evidence.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.astro.umd.edu/openhouse/3about-the-obs/news/2003-11-10.html |title=Ancient Myths Revised with Lunar Eclipse |last=Pollack |first=Rebecca |publisher=University of Maryland |access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> Some [[Hindus]] believe in the importance of bathing in the [[Ganges River]] following an eclipse because it will help to achieve [[salvation]].{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/hindus-dip-ganges-during-lunar-eclipse-105428179.html |title=Hindus take a dip in the Ganges during Lunar Eclipse |last=Ani |website=Yahoo News |access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
=== Inca === | === Inca === | ||
Similarly to the Mayans, the [[Inca | Similarly to the Mayans, the [[Inca mythology|Incans believed]] that lunar eclipses occurred when a jaguar ate the Moon, which is why a blood moon looks red. The Incans also believed that once the jaguar finished eating the Moon, it could come down and devour all the animals on Earth, so they would take spears and shout at the Moon to keep it away.{{zwj}}<ref name="National Geographic">{{Cite web |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/04/140413-total-lunar-eclipse-myths-space-culture-science/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417133236/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/04/140413-total-lunar-eclipse-myths-space-culture-science |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2014 |title=Lunar Eclipse Myths From Around the World |last=Lee |first=Jane |date=14 April 2014 |website=National Geographic |access-date=9 October 2014}}</ref> | ||
=== Mesopotamians === | === Mesopotamians === | ||
The | The [[ancient Mesopotamia]]ns believed that a lunar eclipse was when the Moon was being attacked by seven demons. This attack was more than just one on the Moon, however, for the Mesopotamians linked what happened in the sky with what happened on the land, and because the king of Mesopotamia represented the land, the seven demons were thought to be also attacking the king. In order to prevent this attack on the king, the Mesopotamians made someone pretend to be the king so they would be attacked instead of the true king. After the lunar eclipse was over, the substitute king was made to disappear (possibly by [[poisoning]]).{{zwj}}<ref name="National Geographic" /> | ||
=== Chinese === | === Chinese === | ||
In some Chinese cultures, people would ring bells to prevent a [[Chinese dragon|dragon]] or other wild animals from biting the Moon.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/548133/20140415/lunar-eclipse-facts-myths-superstition-nasa.htm#.VC2MJyldXmU |title=Interesting Facts and Myths about Lunar Eclipse |last=Quilas |first=Ma Evelyn |newspaper=LA Times |access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> In the 19th century, during a lunar eclipse, the [[Chinese navy]] fired its artillery because of this belief.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lifeasmyth.com/journal_planet_Eclipse.html |title=Mythology of the Lunar Eclipse |website=LifeAsMyth.com}}</ref> During the [[Zhou dynasty|Zhou | In some Chinese cultures, people would ring bells to prevent a [[Chinese dragon|dragon]] or other wild animals from biting the Moon.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/548133/20140415/lunar-eclipse-facts-myths-superstition-nasa.htm#.VC2MJyldXmU |title=Interesting Facts and Myths about Lunar Eclipse |last=Quilas |first=Ma Evelyn |newspaper=LA Times |access-date=2 October 2014}}</ref> In the 19th{{nbsp}}century, during a lunar eclipse, the [[Chinese navy]] fired its artillery because of this belief.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lifeasmyth.com/journal_planet_Eclipse.html |title=Mythology of the Lunar Eclipse |website=LifeAsMyth.com}}</ref> During the [[Zhou dynasty|{{langr|zh-Latn|Zhou|cat=no}} dynasty]]{{nbsp}}({{Circa|1046{{nbsp}}BC{{snd}} 256{{nbsp}}BC}}), according to the [[Classic of Poetry|''Book of Songs'']], the sight of a red moon engulfed in darkness was believed to foreshadow famine or disease.{{zwj}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-what-lunar-eclipse-means-in-different-parts-of-world-1555136 |title=What Lunar Eclipse Means in Different Parts of the World |last=Kaul |first=Gayatri |date=15 June 2011 |website=India.com |access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Full Eclipse of the Moon as seen in from Irvine, CA, USA (52075715442) (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=photo showing a reddened Moon during totality of a lunar eclipse|Totality during the [[May 2022 lunar eclipse|lunar eclipse of 15 May 2022]]. Direct sunlight is being blocked by the [[Earth]], and the only light reaching it is sunlight [[Atmospheric refraction|refracted]] by Earth's atmosphere, producing a reddish color.]] | |||
[[File:Full Eclipse of the Moon as seen in from Irvine, CA, USA (52075715442) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Totality during the [[May 2022 lunar eclipse|lunar eclipse of 15 May 2022]]. Direct sunlight is being blocked by the [[Earth]], and the only light reaching it is sunlight [[Atmospheric refraction|refracted]] by Earth's atmosphere, producing a reddish color.]] | |||
== Occurrence == | == Occurrence == | ||
{{see also|Saros (astronomy)|Eclipse cycle}} | {{see also|Saros (astronomy)|Eclipse cycle}} | ||
In the 21st century there are 228 lunar eclipses, an average of 2.28 per year, with at least two every year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Index to Five Millennium Catalog of Lunar Eclipses |url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat5/LEcatalog.html |website=NASA Eclipse Web Site |publisher=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Five Millennium Catalog of Lunar Eclipses 2001 to 2100 ( 2001 CE to 2100 CE ) |url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat5/LE2001-2100.html |website=NASA Eclipse Web Site |publisher=NASA}}</ref> | |||
Total lunar eclipses are less common than partial lunar eclipses. Over a 5,000{{nbsp}}year span from 2000{{nbsp}}BCE to 3000{{nbsp}}CE, 36.3% of lunar eclipses are penumbral, 34.9% are partial, and 28.8% are total.{{zwj}}<ref name="Espenak_Meeus_2009" /> If the date and time of an eclipse is known, the occurrence of upcoming eclipses is predictable using an [[eclipse cycle]], like the [[saros (astronomy)|saros]]. During a saros period, lasting 18{{nbsp}}years and 11{{nbsp}}days, there will usually be 70{{nbsp}}eclipses, of which 29 are lunar.{{zwj}}<ref name="Lockyer_2024">{{cite book | title=Elements of Astronomy | first=J. Norman | last=Lockyer | author-link=Norman Lockyer | publisher=BoD – Books on Demand | year=2024 | orig-year=1875 | isbn=978-3-38283-354-1 | pages=132–133 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bjkHEQAAQBAJ&pg=PA133 }}</ref> Eclipses occur only during an [[eclipse season]], when the Sun appears to pass near either [[lunar node|node]] of the [[orbit of the Moon|Moon's orbit]]. | |||
== View from the Moon == | == View from the Moon == | ||
{{Main|Solar eclipses on the Moon}} | {{Main|Solar eclipses on the Moon}} | ||
[[File:Eclipse from moon.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A painting by [[Lucien Rudaux]] showing how a solar eclipse might appear when viewed from the lunar surface. The Moon's surface appears red because the only sunlight available is refracted through Earth's atmosphere on the edges of Earth, as shown in the sky in this painting.]] | [[File:Eclipse from moon.jpg|thumb|right|350px|alt=Painting of view from Moon's surface. The Earth is eclipsing the Sun in the lunar sky.|A painting by {{langr|fr|[[Lucien Rudaux]]}} showing how a solar eclipse might appear when viewed from the lunar surface. The Moon's surface appears red because the only sunlight available is refracted through Earth's atmosphere on the edges of Earth, as shown in the sky in this painting.]] | ||
A lunar eclipse is on the Moon a [[solar eclipse]]. The occurrence makes Earth's atmosphere appear as a red ring around the dark Earth. During full moon, the phase | A lunar eclipse is, on the Moon, a [[solar eclipse]]. The occurrence makes Earth's atmosphere appear as a red ring around the dark Earth. One such event was captured by the [[Surveyor 3|Surveyor{{nbsp}}3]] camera in{{nbsp}}1967.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web | title=A Solar Eclipse from the Moon | work=Astronomy Picture of the Day | url=https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140407.html | access-date=2025-08-14 }}</ref> A second event was photographed in color by the [[Blue Ghost Mission 1|Blue Ghost Mission{{nbsp}}1]] in{{nbsp}}2025.{{zwj}}<ref>{{cite web | title=A Total Solar Eclipse — from the Moon | first=David | last=Dickinson | date=March 14, 2025 | publisher=[[Sky & Telescope]] | url=https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/a-total-solar-eclipse-from-the-moon/ | access-date=2025-08-14 }}</ref> During a full moon, the phase during which lunar eclipses take place, the dark side of the Earth is illuminated by the Moon and its [[moonlight]]. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Lists of lunar eclipses]] and [[List of 21st | * [[Lists of lunar eclipses]] and [[List of lunar eclipses in the 21st century]] | ||
* | * {{anl|Lunar occultation}} | ||
* | * {{anl|Moon illusion}} | ||
* | * {{anl|Orbit of the Moon}} | ||
* | * {{anl|Solar eclipse}} | ||
*[[Eclipses in history and culture]] | * [[Eclipses in history and culture]] | ||
==Notes== | |||
{{Reflist|group=note}} | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 122: | Line 118: | ||
== Further reading == | == Further reading == | ||
*Bao-Lin Liu, ''Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1500 B.C.-A.D. 3000.'' Willmann-Bell, Richmond VA, 1992 | * Bao-Lin Liu, ''Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1500 B.C.-A.D. 3000.'' Willmann-Bell, Richmond VA, 1992 | ||
* Espenak, F. ''Thousand Year Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1501 to 2500'', Astropixels Publishing, Portal AZ, 2014 | |||
*Espenak, F. ''Thousand Year Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1501 to 2500'', Astropixels Publishing, Portal AZ, 2014 | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{Sister project links|wikt=lunar eclipse|commons=Category:Lunar eclipse|v=no|q=no|s=The New Student's Reference Work/Eclipse|b=High School Earth Science/The Sun and the Earth-Moon System}} | {{Sister project links|wikt=lunar eclipse|commons=Category:Lunar eclipse|v=no|q=no|s=The New Student's Reference Work/Eclipse|b=High School Earth Science/The Sun and the Earth-Moon System}} | ||
* | *{{YouTube|wuhNZejHeBg|''Lunar Eclipse Essentials'': video from NASA}} | ||
*[http://alienworlds.southwales.ac.uk/lunarEclipse.html Animated explanation of the mechanics of a lunar eclipse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603050300/http://alienworlds.southwales.ac.uk/lunarEclipse.html |date=3 June 2013 }}, University of South Wales | *[http://alienworlds.southwales.ac.uk/lunarEclipse.html Animated explanation of the mechanics of a lunar eclipse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603050300/http://alienworlds.southwales.ac.uk/lunarEclipse.html |date=3 June 2013 }}, University of South Wales | ||
*[http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/LunarEclipse.php U.S. Navy Lunar Eclipse Computer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813225301/http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/LunarEclipse.php |date=13 August 2011 }} | *[http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/LunarEclipse.php U.S. Navy Lunar Eclipse Computer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813225301/http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/LunarEclipse.php |date=13 August 2011 }} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:26, 28 September 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "other uses". Template:Pp-vandalism Template:Use dmy dates Template:More citations needed
A lunar eclipse, also called a blood moon, is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon orbits through Earth's shadow.Template:Zwj[1]Template:Zwj[2] Lunar eclipses occur during eclipse season, when the Moon's orbital plane is approximately in line with Earth and the Sun. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moon's proximity to the lunar node.Template:Zwj[3]Template:Zwj[4] In contrast with illusive and short-lasting solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be observed from anywhere on the night side of Earth and often last for an hour or longer.[5] Lunar eclipses are safe to observe without eye protection.[6]
Lunar eclipses are notable for causing the Moon to appear orange or red. This occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra, necessitating any sunlight that reaches the Moon to first pass through the Earth's atmosphere. The resulting Rayleigh scattering removes high-wavelength colors such as violet and blue from the incoming light before it reflects off the lunar surface and is observed on Earth.[7]
Types of lunar eclipses
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Penumbral lunar eclipse
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's silhouette partially blocks the Sun in the lunar sky but does not occlude it completely, ensuring some sunlight can still reach the Moon directly. The designation refers to the Moon being partially inside of the penumbra, which describes the region of any shadow that is cast by a light source which is not collimated and has a non-zero angular diameter. A penumbral eclipse is designated as a total penumbral eclipse if the moon lies exclusively inside of the penumbra.
Penumbral eclipses are observed from Earth as a subtle dimming of the lunar surface.Template:Zwj[8][9] Of all lunar eclipses, approximately one-third are penumbral eclipses; of those, only 3% are total penumbral eclipses.[10]
Partial lunar eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse refers to the Moon lying partially inside of the umbra, where the relative size of the Earth in the lunar sky allows it to block the Sun entirely. During a partial eclipse, the dark region covered by the umbra will appear more much more distinct than the penumbral dimming.
The Moon's average orbital speed is about Template:Convert, or a little more than its diameter per hour, so totality may last up to nearly 107Template:Nbspminutes. Nevertheless, the total time between the first and last contacts of the Moon's limb with Earth's shadow is much longer and could last up to 236Template:Nbspminutes.Template:Zwj[11]
Total lunar eclipse
When the Moon's near side entirely passes into the Earth's umbral shadow, a total lunar eclipse occurs.Template:ZwjTemplate:Sfn Just prior to complete entry, the brightness of the lunar limb—the curved edge of the Moon still being hit by direct sunlight—will cause the rest of the Moon to appear comparatively dim. The moment the Moon enters a complete eclipse, the entire surface will become more or less uniformly bright, being able to reveal stars surrounding it. Later, as the Moon's opposite limb is struck by sunlight, the overall disk will again become obscured.
This is because, as viewed from the Earth, the brightness of a lunar limb is generally greater than that of the rest of the surface, due to reflections from the many surface irregularities within the limb: sunlight striking these irregularities is always reflected back in greater quantities than that striking more central parts, which is why the edges of full moons generally appear brighter than the rest of the lunar surface. This is similar to the effect of velvet fabric over a convex curved surface, which, to an observer, will appear darkest at the center of the curve. It will be true of any planetary body with little or no atmosphere and an irregular cratered surface (e.g., Mercury) when viewed opposite the Sun.Template:Zwj[12]
Central lunar eclipse
When, during a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes near and through the centre of Earth's shadow, contacting the antisolar point, it is classified as a central lunar eclipse.Template:Zwj[13] This type of lunar eclipse is less frequent, occurring in 59.6% of all total lunar eclipses.Template:Zwj[10]
The relative distance of the Moon from Earth at the time of an eclipse can affect the eclipse's duration. In particular, when the Moon is near apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit, its orbital speed is the slowest. The diameter of Earth's umbra does not decrease appreciably within the changes in the Moon's orbital distance. Thus, the concurrence of a totally eclipsed Moon near apogee will lengthen the duration of totality.Template:Zwj[14]
Selenelion
A selenelion or selenehelion, also called a horizontal eclipse, occurs where and when both the Sun and an eclipsed Moon can be observed at the same time. The event can only be observed just before sunset or just after sunrise, when both bodies will appear just above opposite horizons at nearly opposite points in the sky. A selenelion occurs during every total lunar eclipse—it is an experience of the observer, not a planetary event separate from the lunar eclipse itself. Typically, observers on Earth located on high mountain ridges undergoing false sunrise or false sunset at the same moment of a total lunar eclipse will be able to experience it. Although during selenelion the Moon is completely within the Earth's umbra, both it and the Sun can be observed in the sky because atmospheric refraction causes each body to appear higher (i.e., more central) in the sky than its true geometric planetary position.Template:Zwj[16]
Timing
The timing of total lunar eclipses is determined by what are known as its "contacts" (moments of contact with Earth's shadow):Template:Zwj[17]
- P1 (First contact): Beginning of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra touches the Moon's outer limb.
- U1 (Second contact): Beginning of the partial eclipse. Earth's umbra touches the Moon's outer limb.
- U2 (Third contact): Beginning of the total eclipse. The Moon's surface is entirely within Earth's umbra.
- Greatest eclipse: The peak stage of the total eclipse. The Moon is at its closest to the center of Earth's umbra.
- U3 (Fourth contact): End of the total eclipse. The Moon's outer limb exits Earth's umbra.
- U4 (Fifth contact): End of the partial eclipse. Earth's umbra leaves the Moon's surface.
- P4 (Sixth contact): End of the penumbral eclipse. Earth's penumbra no longer makes contact with the Moon.
Danjon scale
The following scale (the [[Danjon scale|Template:Langr scale]]) was devised by Template:Langr for rating the overall darkness of lunar eclipses:Template:Zwj[18]
- L = 0: Very dark eclipse. Moon almost invisible, especially at mid-totality.
- L = 1: Dark eclipse, gray or brownish in coloration. Details distinguishable only with difficulty.
- L = 2: Deep red or rust-colored eclipse. Very dark central shadow, while outer edge of umbra is relatively bright.
- L = 3: Brick-red eclipse. Umbral shadow usually has a bright or yellow rim.
- L = 4: Very bright copper-red or orange eclipse. Umbral shadow is bluish and has a very bright rim.
Lunar versus solar eclipses
Template:More citations needed section
There is often confusion between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse. While both involve interactions between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon, they are very different in their interactions.
The Moon does not completely darken as it passes through the umbra because of the refraction of sunlight by Earth's atmosphere into the shadow cone; if Earth had no atmosphere, the Moon would be completely dark during the eclipse.Template:Zwj[19] The reddish coloration arises because sunlight reaching the Moon must pass through a long and dense layer of Earth's atmosphere, where it is scattered. Shorter wavelengths are more likely to be scattered by the air molecules and small particles; thus, the longer wavelengths predominate by the time the light rays have penetrated the atmosphere. Human vision perceives this resulting light as red. This is the same effect that causes sunsets and sunrises to turn the sky a reddish color.Template:Zwj[20] An alternative way of conceiving this scenario is to realize that, as viewed from the Moon, the Sun would appear to be setting (or rising) behind Earth.
The amount of refracted light depends on the amount of dust or clouds in the atmosphere; this also controls how much light is scattered. In general, the dustier the atmosphere, the more that other wavelengths of light will be removed (compared to red light), leaving the resulting light a deeper red color. This causes the resulting coppery-red hue of the Moon to vary from one eclipse to the next. Volcanoes are notable for expelling large quantities of dust into the atmosphere, and a large eruption shortly before an eclipse can have a large effect on the resulting color.Template:Zwj[21]
In culture
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The symbol for a lunar eclipse (or any body in the shadow of another) isTemplate:NbspA box containing dots in its upper-right and lower-left corners, connected by a diagonal line (U+1F776Template:Nbsp🝶).
Several cultures have myths related to lunar eclipses or allude to the lunar eclipse as being a good or bad omen. The Egyptians saw the eclipse as a sow swallowing the Moon for a short time; other cultures view the eclipse as the Moon being swallowed by other animals, such as a jaguar in Mayan tradition, or a mythical three-legged toad known as [[Jin Chan|Template:Langr]] in China.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Some societies thought it was a demon swallowing the Moon, and that they could chase it away by throwing stones and curses at it.Template:Zwj[22] Ancient Greeks understood the Earth was round, citing the Earth's shadow observed during a lunar eclipse as evidence.Template:Zwj[23] Some Hindus believe in the importance of bathing in the Ganges River following an eclipse because it will help to achieve salvation.Template:Zwj[24]
Inca
Similarly to the Mayans, the Incans believed that lunar eclipses occurred when a jaguar ate the Moon, which is why a blood moon looks red. The Incans also believed that once the jaguar finished eating the Moon, it could come down and devour all the animals on Earth, so they would take spears and shout at the Moon to keep it away.Template:Zwj[25]
Mesopotamians
The ancient Mesopotamians believed that a lunar eclipse was when the Moon was being attacked by seven demons. This attack was more than just one on the Moon, however, for the Mesopotamians linked what happened in the sky with what happened on the land, and because the king of Mesopotamia represented the land, the seven demons were thought to be also attacking the king. In order to prevent this attack on the king, the Mesopotamians made someone pretend to be the king so they would be attacked instead of the true king. After the lunar eclipse was over, the substitute king was made to disappear (possibly by poisoning).Template:Zwj[25]
Chinese
In some Chinese cultures, people would ring bells to prevent a dragon or other wild animals from biting the Moon.Template:Zwj[26] In the 19thTemplate:Nbspcentury, during a lunar eclipse, the Chinese navy fired its artillery because of this belief.Template:Zwj[27] During the [[Zhou dynasty|Template:Langr dynasty]]Template:Nbsp(Template:Circa), according to the Book of Songs, the sight of a red moon engulfed in darkness was believed to foreshadow famine or disease.Template:Zwj[28]
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
Occurrence
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In the 21st century there are 228 lunar eclipses, an average of 2.28 per year, with at least two every year.[29][30] Total lunar eclipses are less common than partial lunar eclipses. Over a 5,000Template:Nbspyear span from 2000Template:NbspBCE to 3000Template:NbspCE, 36.3% of lunar eclipses are penumbral, 34.9% are partial, and 28.8% are total.Template:Zwj[10] If the date and time of an eclipse is known, the occurrence of upcoming eclipses is predictable using an eclipse cycle, like the saros. During a saros period, lasting 18Template:Nbspyears and 11Template:Nbspdays, there will usually be 70Template:Nbspeclipses, of which 29 are lunar.Template:Zwj[31] Eclipses occur only during an eclipse season, when the Sun appears to pass near either node of the Moon's orbit.
View from the Moon
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A lunar eclipse is, on the Moon, a solar eclipse. The occurrence makes Earth's atmosphere appear as a red ring around the dark Earth. One such event was captured by the [[Surveyor 3|SurveyorTemplate:Nbsp3]] camera inTemplate:Nbsp1967.Template:Zwj[32] A second event was photographed in color by the [[Blue Ghost Mission 1|Blue Ghost MissionTemplate:Nbsp1]] inTemplate:Nbsp2025.Template:Zwj[33] During a full moon, the phase during which lunar eclipses take place, the dark side of the Earth is illuminated by the Moon and its moonlight.
See also
- Lists of lunar eclipses and List of lunar eclipses in the 21st century
- Template:Anl
- Template:Anl
- Template:Anl
- Template:Anl
- Eclipses in history and culture
Notes
References
Works cited
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Further reading
- Bao-Lin Liu, Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1500 B.C.-A.D. 3000. Willmann-Bell, Richmond VA, 1992
- Espenak, F. Thousand Year Canon of Lunar Eclipses 1501 to 2500, Astropixels Publishing, Portal AZ, 2014
External links
Script error: No such module "Sister project links".Template:Main other
- Template:Trim Template:Replace on YouTubeScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- Animated explanation of the mechanics of a lunar eclipse Template:Webarchive, University of South Wales
- U.S. Navy Lunar Eclipse Computer Template:Webarchive
- NASA Lunar Eclipse Page
- Search among the 12,064 lunar eclipses over five millennium and display interactive maps
- Lunar Eclipses for Beginners
- Tips on photographing the lunar eclipse from New York Institute of Photography Template:Webarchive
- Template:Trim Template:Replace on YouTubeScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Template:The Moon Template:Lunar eclipses Template:Portal bar Template:Authority control
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