Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon.
Types of Lunar Eclipses
There are three types of lunar eclipses:
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: This occurs when only a part of the Moon enters the Earth's umbral shadow.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: This occurs when the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow, causing the Moon to appear red or orange due to the scattering of sunlight in the Earth's atmosphere.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: This occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle darkening of the Moon's surface.
Phases of a Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs in the following phases:
- Penumbral Phase: The Moon enters the Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle darkening of the Moon's surface.
- Partial Phase: The Moon starts to enter the Earth's umbral shadow, leading to a partial darkening of the Moon.
- Total Phase: The Moon is completely within the Earth's umbral shadow, leading to a total darkening of the Moon. This is the phase where the Moon may appear red or orange.
- Reverse Partial Phase: The Moon starts to exit the Earth's umbral shadow, leading to a partial brightening of the Moon.
- Reverse Penumbral Phase: The Moon exits the Earth's penumbral shadow, concluding the eclipse.
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about lunar eclipses:
- What causes a lunar eclipse?
- What are the types of lunar eclipses?
- Describe the phases of a lunar eclipse.
- Why does the Moon appear red or orange during a total lunar eclipse?
- How often do lunar eclipses occur?
Understanding lunar eclipses can provide valuable insights into celestial phenomena and the interactions between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
[Lunar Eclipses] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
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PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)
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