Eclipses

Lunar = Moon. A lunar eclipse is when part or all of the moon is covered by the Earth’s shadow. The moon’s orbit is tipped 5 o relative to Earth’s orbit around the sun. That means a lunar eclipse can only occur 2 to 4 times a year. Lunar eclipses can only happen during the full moon phase. Lunar Eclipses

There are two parts to the Earth’s Shadow: – The umbra is the darkest part in the center of the shadow. – The penumbra is less dark part of the shadow around the edges. Lunar Eclipses

3 Types of Lunar Eclipses Penumbral Lunar Eclipse The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow. These events are of only academic interest because they are subtle and hard to observe.

3 Types of Lunar Eclipses Penumbral Lunar Eclipse The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow. These events are of only academic interest because they are subtle and hard to observe. Partial Lunar Eclipse A portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow. These events are easy to see, even with the unaided eye.

3 Types of Lunar Eclipses Penumbral Lunar Eclipse The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow. These events are of only academic interest because they are subtle and hard to observe. Partial Lunar Eclipse A portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow. These events are easy to see, even with the unaided eye. Total Lunar Eclipse The entire Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow. These events are quite striking due to the Moon's vibrant red color during the total phase (totality).

Solar = sun A solar eclipse is when all or part of the sun is blocked by the moon’s shadow. Again, a solar eclipse can only happen 2-4 times a year because of the moon’s tilted orbit. A solar eclipse can only happen during the new moon phase. NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING AN ECLIPSE!! Solar Eclipses

The next lunar and solar eclipses visible from ConnecticutThe next lunar and solar eclipses visible from Connecticut. Eclipses in Connecticut