Schematic diagram of the principle of how a total lunar eclipse is formed

How is a total lunar eclipse formed? The second one is coming soon in 2018. At that time, people will not only be able to see a total lunar eclipse, but also be able to see Mars near the moon with the naked eye. Next, let us learn some knowledge about the total lunar eclipse.

How a total lunar eclipse is formed

meaning

A total lunar eclipse, an astronomical term, is a type of lunar eclipse. When the moon, the earth, and the sun are completely in a straight line, with the earth in the middle, the entire moon goes into the earth's shadow, and the surface of the moon turns dark red, forming a total lunar eclipse.

time

From a global perspective, a lunar eclipse does not occur every year (for example, there was no lunar eclipse in 1980), and not every lunar eclipse is a total lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse (not necessarily a total solar eclipse) occurs every year. There are an average of 236.7 solar eclipses and 154.2 lunar eclipses in 100 years. In a year, there can be 2-5 solar eclipses, no more than 3 lunar eclipses, and the minimum is 0.

process

The process of a total lunar eclipse is divided into five stages: first contact, second contact, maximum eclipse, third contact, and last contact.

First contact: The moon just touches the earth's umbra, marking the beginning of a lunar eclipse.

Total eclipse: The western edge of the moon is tangent to the western edge of the Earth's umbra, and the entire moon just enters the Earth's umbra.

Total eclipse: The center of the Moon is closest to the center of the Earth's umbra.

Light Birth: The eastern edge of the moon is tangent to the eastern edge of the earth's umbra, and the total eclipse phase ends.

Re-eclipse: The western edge of the moon is tangent to the eastern edge of the Earth's umbra, and the entire lunar eclipse process ends.