Lunar eclipse

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A film showing the effect of a lunar eclipse. The film was made at the eclipse of March 3, 2007

When a total lunar eclipse occurs, more stars can be seen near the moon

A Lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon. It occurs when the moon passes through the shadow of the Earth. Lunar eclipses occur about twice a year, much more often than solar eclipses. They also last longer than solar eclipses.

During a lunar eclipse, the Moon appears a reddish-brown color. You would probably think that the moon would be completely black because of Earth's shadow, but the reddish-brown color is due to the fact that the Sun's light reflects off Earth, and is barely visible on the Moon.

Like solar eclipses, there are different types of lunar eclipses. There are total eclipses, where all of the moon appears reddish-brown, and partial ones, where only part of the moon appears reddish-brown.

Lunar eclipses are not as rare as solar eclipses and are sometimes called the 'Yellow Moon' although it does not look as yellow.

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