A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra (shadow). This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, a lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full moon. The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes.
All stories in Lunar eclipse
-
Hubble's first observation of a total lunar eclipse could help us find alien life
The Hubble Space Telescope set its sights on a total lunar eclipse, using the Moon as a mirror to study Earth. Here’s ...
-
Here's why animals behave strangely during lunar and solar eclipses
For most animals, the structure of their day – and indeed their year – depends on the light-dark cycle. These regular ...
-
Fascinating myths about the lunar eclipse from around the world
Millions of people will have the opportunity to see a lunar eclipse – an event popularly known in the media as a “blood ...
