A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon moves into the Earths shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. This alignment occurs during an eclipse season, approximately every six months, during the full moon phase. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon and are a popular event for skywatchers. There are three types of lunar eclipses depending on how the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned at the time of the event:

• Total lunar eclipse: Earths shadow is cast across the entire lunar surface. When the moon moves completely into the Earths dark shadow cone (called the "umbra"), we call that a total lunar eclipse. At the moons average distance from Earth of 239,000 miles, the umbra measures roughly 5,800 miles in diameter. The moon is about 2,200 miles in diameter. So theres no problem in getting the moon completely immersed in the umbra; theres plenty of room.

• Partial lunar eclipse: Only a portion of the Moon passes through the Earths shadow.

• Penumbral lunar eclipse: The faint outer part of Earths shadow is cast across the lunar surface. This type of eclipse is not as dramatic as the other two and can be difficult to see.

During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earths shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, and you dont need any special equipment to observe them, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red color. The next lunar eclipse of 2023 will be a partial lunar eclipse on October 28, visible over parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.