Lunar+Eclipses

Lunar Eclipses
Lunar Eclipses are a short period of time where the surface of the moon appears darker because the earth has traveled directly in front of the path between the moon and sun. Therefore it blocks any of the Sun's rays from reaching the moon. Lunar Eclipses are rare and the next one is scheduled to happen on December 21st 2010. The shadow the earth casts can be seperated into two parts, the Umbra is the part where the earth directly blocks the sun, this also blocks any solar radiation and makes the moon appear darker than the outer circle.



But because the sun is so much larger than the earth, even million of kilometers away some of its rays can get by. This part is called the Penumbra and is a lighter shade as some radiation and the Sun's rays can get by. A Penumbral Eclipse is when the earth travels through the Penumbra shadow leaving only one section the the moon darker. While a partial eclipse is when only a small section of the moon is blocked and the rest still appears its natural colour. A total Lunar Eclipse is the most rare and this happens when the earth travles directly through the Umbra leaving the whole moon without suns light and leaving it an unordinary redish colour. Lunar Eclipses happen approximatley every 2 and a half years and can also affect the enivorment. Many animals rely on the moons light to direct them while traveling or for light.