A lunar eclipse happens on average between 2 to 5 times per year somewhere on Earth. Total lunar eclipses occur at least about twice every three years. However, from one specific location on Earth, a total lunar eclipse is visible roughly every 2.5 years on average. This variation occurs because the moon's orbit is tilted about 5 degrees relative to Earth's orbit, so eclipses do not happen every full moon. Lunar eclipses can last several hours, and each is visible from the entire night side of Earth during the event.