What are lunar phases and eclipses?

The moonlight we see on Earth is sunlight reflected from the gray-white surface of the moon. As the Moon orbits the Earth, we see changes in the size of the Moon - the lunar phases - as the Earth orbits the Sun. Everything is moving.

During a lunar eclipse, the earth comes between the sun and the moon, preventing sunlight from falling on the moon. The shadow of the earth covers the whole or part of the lunar surface.

What are lunar phases?

Our moon does not shine, it reflects. Like daylight on earth, sunlight illuminates the moon. Description showing the eight phases of the moon. We can never see.

When the sun shines from the moon - the side we cannot see from Earth without the help of a spacecraft - it is called the new moon. When sunlight reflects closely, we call it the full moon.

At the end of the month we see parts or phases of the daylight period of the moon. These eight stages are the new moon, wax, early period, wax, full moon, new moon, third trimester and latent crescent, respectively. The cycle repeats once a month (every 29.5 days).

What is a lunar eclipse?

During a lunar eclipse, the earth comes between the sun and the moon, preventing sunlight from falling on the moon.

There are two types of lunar eclipses:

• A full lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon and Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth.
• A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Earth's shadow obscures the Moon.

At one point during a lunar eclipse the moon will appear red. This is because, when viewed from the surface of the moon, only sunlight from around the earth reaches the moon. From there, during the eclipse an observer will watch all the sunrises and sunsets of the earth at the same time.

Understanding lunar eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the shadow of the earth, just as a solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the earth passes through the shadow of the moon.

So why shouldn't eclipses occur twice a month?

This is because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is inclined relative to the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

But why do eclipses occur?

Throughout the year, the lunar orbit tilt is constant with respect to the stars, i.e. varies with the Sun. Twice a year, it puts the moon in the correct position to cross the Earth's shadow, causing a lunar eclipse

When the Moon moves in the center of the Earth's shadow called Ambra, it darkens dramatically. Once it has fully entered the Umbra, the Moon will appear pale red as sunlight scatters through the Earth's atmosphere.

In fact, if you look at the eclipse from the surface of the moon, you will see the sun disappear behind the whole earth and bathe you in the warm red light. When you return home, you should be awake late to see the lunar eclipse, but if you do, you will see the moon in a rare form, and you will get a brief view of the long shadow of our own planet.

Take a photo of the moon.

Capturing the moon with a camera is one of the most satisfying and challenging projects available to an outdoor photographer. Here are 10 tips on how to use moonlight night with your camera.

How does a lunar eclipse affect the spacecraft?

Lunar eclipses can be a scientific boon and an engineering challenge to orbit spacecraft such as NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The solar-powered orbit falls in the shadow of the earth and disconnects it from its energy source. Mission controllers shut down most devices to save energy.

The team sets off on an instrument called a diviner that can see how the lunar surface responds to a rapid change in temperature caused by a lunar eclipse. The data helps scientists better understand the composition and properties of the surface.