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LUNAR ECLIPSES
- A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun.
- A great event for beginners to observe
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| Total and Partial Eclipses |
 A lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse may be partial or total. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon skirts into the Earth's penumbral shadow. When the Moon is fully immersed in the umbra a total lunar eclipse occurs.
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During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s light. We see the Earth’s shadow creep across the surface of the Moon.
Lunar eclipses are not as spectacular as Solar eclipses, when day turns to night. However, they last for much longer, and can be seen from any part of the Earth’s surface where the Moon is above the horizon. They require no equipment to view, and are perfect events for beginners to observe.
 Learn more about solar eclipses
Why don't we see a lunar eclipse every month?
Full Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth - so Lunar eclipses can only happen when the Moon is full. It would seem natural for a lunar eclipse to happen at each full Moon. But this isn't the case. The Moon's orbit is tilted by about 5 degrees to the path of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. During most months the Moon will pass above or below the Earth's shadow and no eclipse will occur.
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