Fun Facts About the Lunar Eclipse
Learn all about this mesmerizing celestial phenomenon with these fun facts about the lunar eclipse.
What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
The word lunar means “moon.” Eclipse comes from a Greek word meaning the “darkening of a heavenly body.”
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth.
The Sun, Moon, and Earth are in perfect alignment.
Now that you know the definition of a lunar eclipse, let’s delve into some fascinating fun facts!
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10 Fun Facts About the Lunar Eclipse
Learn about this incredible celestial event through these lunar eclipse fun facts.
A Lunar Eclipse Occurs Only When the Moon Is Full
Did you know that a lunar eclipse can only occur when the Moon is full?
A full moon happens about once a month, but an eclipse does not happen that often.
That is because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is slightly off the Earth’s orbit from the Sun.
(The difference is about 5 degrees.)
Because these orbits are out of sync, they only line up occasionally. That is when you get an eclipse.
There Are Three Types of Lunar Eclipses
The three types of lunar eclipses are total, partial, and penumbral.
A total eclipse happens when the Moon passes completely into the central and darkest part of the Earth’s shadow (called the umbra).
As the name implies, a partial eclipse occurs when only part of the Moon passes into the umbra.
A penumbral eclipse happens when the Moon passes into the lighter edge of the Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra.
A penumbral eclipse is very faint and sometimes hardly noticeable.
A Total Lunar Eclipse Happens Every 2.5 Years
The Moon is partially eclipsed two to five times per year, but a total eclipse is less common.
A total lunar eclipse, a relatively rare celestial event, is a privilege for skywatchers worldwide.
During a total lunar eclipse, the entirety of the Moon falls in the Earth’s shadow.
You Are Likely to See a Lunar Eclipse
Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be observed from a small area on Earth, a lunar eclipse is a global spectacle. You can see it from any location where night has fallen.
A lunar eclipse cannot happen during the day because the alignment is not the necessary “Sun-Earth-Moon.”
You Can Still See the Moon During a Lunar Eclipse
In a solar eclipse, the Sun is completely covered by the Moon during the totality. You can only see the outer ring of the Sun’s light.
During a lunar eclipse, the Moon darkens but is still visible.
It may even turn colors!
A Total Lunar Eclipse Is Called a Blood Moon
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon may appear colored.
This is due to dust particles, clouds, or water droplets in the Earth’s atmosphere that bend light rays.
The Moon may appear brownish, rusty, copper, or reddish.
A total lunar eclipse is often red or orange, and because of its color, it is called a blood moon.
The Blood Moon Was a Sign of Doom Throughout History
Many cultures throughout history were understandably unnerved by the Moon turning the color of blood.
The Incans believed a hungry jaguar was eating the Moon and that when it was finished, it would eat the Earth next.
They would make noise to drive the jaguar away.
In 1504, Christopher Columbus convinced the Jamaican natives that his God was angry with them for not providing assistance to him.
Since he knew of an upcoming lunar eclipse, he told them the Moon would bleed as a sign of God’s anger.
When they saw the Blood Moon, they were frightened into giving him all he demanded.
The Danjon Scale Measures the Brightness of the Eclipse
In 1921, astronomer Andre Louis Danjon established a brightness scale to quantify the amount of light in a total lunar eclipse.
The Danjon Scale measures the brightness on a scale of 0 to 4.
A 0 on the scale is a near-dark eclipse, barely visible.
A 1 on the scale is a very dark eclipse: brown or gray.
If an eclipse is a 2 on the scale, it is likely deep red or rusty. It may have a whitish edge.
When an eclipse measures a 3 on the Danjon scale, it is brick red with a possible yellow edge.
The brightest eclipse is a 4. It is red with a bluish rim.
A Lunar Eclipse Can Last for Hours
Whereas a total solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes, the totality of a lunar eclipse is much longer.
The gradual covering and uncovering of the Moon takes around 2 hours, but the Moon is only completely in shadow for half an hour.
A Lunar Eclipse Is Safe to View
It is never safe to look at a solar eclipse because the Sun’s radiation damages your eyes.
By contrast, a lunar eclipse is always safe to view because you see only reflected light from the Sun.
Read More About Eclipses
You can learn more about lunar eclipses by reading these books.
My 1st Book of Eclipses
Kindergartners and early elementary students will appreciate this kid-friendly approach to all types of eclipses.
Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses
This children’s book by the Planetary Society has fantastic photographs and clear explanations. Best for ages 7-10.
What’s Up, Moon?
This book for middle schoolers covers all things related to the Moon: eclipses, tides, and moon phases. It’s a great addition to a science curriculum.
Eclipse: Our Sky’s Most Dazzling Phenomenon
Don’t be fooled by the charming illustrations; this book is best for high schoolers or advanced middle schoolers.
It is chock full of eclipse facts and stories from history. An enjoyable read!
Fascinating Lunar Eclipse Facts
Now that you know all about lunar eclipses, look up the next one so you can observe the phenomenon in person.
If you are lucky enough to catch a Blood Moon (or total eclipse), remember your camera!
