Partial lunar eclipse

Paired Together

Total eclipses of the Moon happen at Full Moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned to form a line.

The astronomical term for this type of alignment is syzygy, which comes from the Greek word for being paired together.

Earth Blocks the Sunlight

The Moon does not have its own light but shines because its surface reflects the Sun's rays.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and blocks any direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The Sun casts the Earth's shadow on the Moon's surface.

Types of eclipses

Earth's Three Shadows

Earth's shadow can be divided into three parts:

• Umbra - the darker, central part.
• Penumbra - the outer part.
• Antumbra - the partly shaded area beyond the umbra.

Why are there three shadows?

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth's umbra completely covers the Moon.

Sun, Earth, and Moon Aligned

For a lunar eclipse to occur, the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be roughly aligned in a line.

Otherwise, the Earth cannot cast a shadow on the Moon's surface and an e

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