What are lunar eclipses?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Imagine you're playing with your friend in a big room. The Sun is like a bright light bulb on one wall, you're the Earth, and your friend is the Moon. When you stand between the light bulb and your friend, you block some of the light from reaching them, that’s like what happens during a lunar eclipse.

The Earth has a shadow, just like you have a shadow when you stand in front of the light. This shadow can be big enough to cover part or all of the Moon.

There are two types of shadows:

• The umbra, which is the darkest part, it’s like your full body blocking the light.
• The penumbra, which is lighter, it’s like just your arm blocking some of the light.

If the Moon passes through the umbra, we see a total lunar eclipse. If it only goes through the penumbra, it's a partial one. Either way, it’s like watching your friend get partly or fully covered by your shadow in that big room, but with stars and moons instead!