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, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all aligned. 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. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s 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.

• Partial lunar eclipse: Only a portion of the Moon passes through Earths shadow, causing only a part of the Moon to be darkened.

• 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.

Lunar eclipses occur during a full moon phase, and they can only occur when the Moon is directly opposite to the Sun in our Earthly sky. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon turns red because the only sunlight reaching the Moon passes through Earth’s atmosphere. The more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the Moon will appear. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, and you don’t need any special equipment to observe them, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red color. A dark environment away from bright lights makes for the best viewing conditions.