When this happens, the Moon blocks the light of the Sun from reaching Earth. Sometimes when the Moon orbits Earth, the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. At least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, but total lunar eclipses are rare. What people see from Earth during a partial lunar eclipse depends on how the Sun, Earth and Moon align.Ī lunar eclipse usually lasts for a few hours. In a partial eclipse, Earth’s shadow appears very dark on the side of the Moon facing Earth. This makes the Moon appear red to people on Earth.Ī partial lunar eclipse happens when part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow. The sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out most of the blue light. Although the Moon is in Earth’s shadow, some sunlight reaches the Moon. There are two types of lunar eclipses:Ī total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon and the Sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. A lunar eclipse can occur only when the Moon is full.Ī lunar eclipse can be seen from Earth at night. This is an eclipse of the Moon, or a lunar eclipse. (This sunlight is what causes the Moon to shine.) Instead of light hitting the Moon’s surface, Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

When this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that normally is reflected by the Moon.

Sometimes Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon. Let’s learn about the two types of eclipses on Earth.

An eclipse occurs when one heavenly body such as a moon or planet moves into the shadow of another heavenly body.

Lunar eclipse