Information

A lunar eclipse takes place when the earth is between the Sun and the Moon and are exactly aligned or come very close.This blocks the sun's rays from reaching the moon.The type and duration of the eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes.The lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on the night side of the Earth,which lasts for few hours,however the solar eclipsed is viewed only from a limited area and for a small duration.Some lunar eclipses have been associated with important historical events.Every year there are at least two lunar eclipses

                                                                   Umbra & Penumbra

The shadow of the earth which falls on the moon is divided in to two catagories ie umbra and penumbra.There is no direct radiation of the sun within the umbra region.Due to the huge size of the Sun,the solar illumination is partially blocked in th outer portion of the Earth's shadow,which is named as penumbra.

                                                                   Penumbral Eclipse

The time when the moon passes through the penumbra of the earth,the penumbral eclipse takes place,resulting in the subtle darkening of the lunar surface.When the Moon lies totally in the penumbra of the earth,it is a special situation called 'Total penumbral eclipse'.However such situations are very rare.During the total penumbral eclipse the portion of the Moon closest to the umbra appears to be darker than the rest part.

                                                                  Partial Lunar Eclipse

This takes place when a part of the Moon enters in to the umbra of the Earth.

                                                                   Total Lunar Eclipse

This occurs when the Moon passes entirely in to the Erth's umbra,however the total eclipses are rare.

                                                                        Astronomy