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Lunar Eclipse: what is it, types and how does it differ from a solar eclipse?

A phenomenon that doesn't happen every day and we explain everything about them

Lunar Eclipse: what is it, types and how does it differ from a solar eclipse?
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Alunar eclipse is something that always demands attention. This phenomenon occurs in several variants. It is the moment when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, creating a kind of shadow on the Moon. The three bodies must be perfectly aligned, or at least very close to it.

For this to happen, they occur during full moon phases or under extraordinary conditions. This phase means that the moon is almost imperceptible to the human eye during these moments.

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There are three types of lunar eclipses in total and their duration varies depending on the location of the Moon with respect to its orbital nodes. For example, it can vary from 30 minutes to six hours in its total phase, i.e. at its most exact point.

The first type of eclipse is the penumbral eclipse, which occurs when the Moon es through the cone of the Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra.

The next is the partial eclipse, which is more noticeable for those who enjoy astronomical observations and which occurs when the Moon es through the centre of the Earth's shadow, although it is not complete and will therefore cause the Moon to darken only on one side, reaching the umbra.

Finally, there is the total eclipse. This type of eclipse is known as a total eclipse. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon enters the Earth's umbra completely and involves a total darkening of the Moon.

Differences with the solar eclipse

As is obvious, the two phenomena are not the same and, in this case, the solar eclipse is the occultation, for a few moments, of the Sun, which is no longer seen from the Earth. They occur when the Moon is in the plane of the ecliptic and can be total, annular or partial. Unlike lunar eclipses, these types of eclipses last only a few minutes and can only be seen from a small part of the Earth.

The main difference is that in a solar eclipse it is the moon that casts its shadow on our planet. In addition, while lunar eclipses occur about twice a year, solar eclipses only occur every 18 months and, obviously, some occur at night and others during the day. Finally, a lunar eclipse can be observed directly without consequences, whereas a solar eclipse can cause serious damage to the eyes if not viewed with the proper instrument.

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