Lunar Eclipses: Earth’s Shadow on the Moon

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, dimming or reddening its surface.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye.
They can only occur during a full moon.
A total lunar eclipse gives the Moon a reddish tint, nicknamed a “Blood Moon.”
The red color comes from Earth’s atmosphere bending sunlight into the shadow.
Partial lunar eclipses occur when only part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow.
They are visible from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon.
A total lunar eclipse can last over 100 minutes, much longer than a solar eclipse.
Cultures worldwide wove myths around lunar eclipses, from celestial battles to omens.