when the Moon travelsthrough the shadow of the Earth and loses its brightillumination by the Sun. It can occur only at the time of the full Moon (For example, when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun), because the Earth’s shadow is directed away from the Sun. A lunar eclipse can be seen from any place on the Earth where the Moon is above the horizon. Such an eclipse can be total or partial, depending on the Moon’s position. If the Moon passes through the center of the Earth’s umbra, a total lunar eclipse occurs. Totality may extend up to one hundred minutes, with the entire elapse lasting about three and a half hours. Solar and lunar eclipses have long been ofinterest, because they are readily observable to the unaided eye and offer an impressive view. Primitive people were often fearful of the falling darkness during a total solar eclipse or by the strange sight of the eclipsed Moon. Accounts of such eclipses are found among the oldest records of history, and the successful prediction of eclipses makes up one of the earliest achievements of the scientific investigation of nature.A partial lunar eclipse, on the other hand,is observable when only a part of the Moon passes through the umbra and it normally lasts up to two hours. Lunar eclipses generally occur twice a year. In some years,however, there may be none, while in other years, one or possibly three may take place.There are many other types of eclipses, butthe solar and lunar eclipses are the most popular ones. They have captured my attention because the solar eclipse caused me to believe that the Sun was completely covered and it was night time even though it was still daytime. I also became interested in lunar eclipse when I found out that it couldcause bodies of water near Japan to rise to high tide and could possibly wash out part of Japan. Overall, I’m pretty fascinated with eclipses and hope to see one occur in the near future. ...
