I Understand a Solar Eclipse; What Is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse?

eclipse

You will have heard about a total solar eclipse of the sun, but do you understand about an eclipse of the moon, a partial eclipse and penumbral lunar eclipses? To observe these spectacular events, you will require eclipse eye protection to save you causing potential and long-lasting damage to your eyesight.

Is the Lunar Eclipse the Same as A Solar Eclipse?

The penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is seen to move through the outer part, which is the shadow of the Earth. It appears faint and is often confused with the full moon that you can expect to see each month.

You will need your eclipse eye protection available because the surface of the moon appears to shine, because it is reflecting the sun’s UV rays. When the Earth moves between the sun and the moon and blocks all the sunlight from reaching the moon in one direct line, the lunar eclipse materializes.

When the moon, the earth and the sun appear in an almost straight line, aligning almost perfectly, this will be known as the penumbral lunar eclipse. The earth will be blocking much of the sun’s UV rays and light from reaching the surface of the moon.

The Scientific Equation

Scientists will tell you that for a perfect penumbral lunar eclipse, the moon must be a full moon and the earth, moon and sun must be formed in a straight line, even if slightly imperfectly. The need for eclipse eye protection is mostly for any moments before and after the penumbral lunar eclipse, where your eyes may be exposed to damage from the sun’s UV rays.

They will tell you that technically, penumbral lunar eclipses are formed almost perfectly through every one in three lunar eclipses. They will also confirm that you should wear eclipse glasses where there is any opportunity that the sun may shine directly into your eyes.