Total Lunar Eclipse

About Total Lunar Eclipse:

• An eclipse of the Moon (or lunar eclipse) can only occur at Full Moon – when Earth is located directly between the Sun and the Moon –, and only if the Moon passes through some portion of Earth’s shadow. 
• That shadow is composed of two cone-shaped components – 
  • The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the Sun’s rays from reaching the Moon. 
  • The inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. 
• Types:Astronomers recognize three basic types of lunar eclipses – 
• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse:The Moon passes through Earth’s penumbral shadow. These events are of only academic interest because they are subtle and hard to observe. 
• Partial Lunar Eclipse:A portion of the Moon passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. These events are easy to see, even with the unaided eye. 
• Total Lunar Eclipse:The entire Moon passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. These events are quite striking due to the Moon’s vibrant red colour during the total phase (totality). 

Source : PIB

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