
Lunar Eclipse Geometry

by Science Photo Library
Title
Lunar Eclipse Geometry
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Artwork showing the mechanics of a lunar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon passes into the shadow of the Earth, causing its visible face to darken. It does not disappear completely as some light is refracted onto it by the Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's shadow comprises a dark central umbra surrounded by the lighter penumbra. A total lunar eclipse can only occur at Full Moon, when the Earth lies directly between the Moon and the Sun. It does not occur every Full Moon as the orbital planes of the Earth and Moon are slightly inclined with respect to each other. A lunar eclipse is visible from everywhere on the night side of the Earth.
Uploaded
June 27th, 2016
Embed
Share
Similar Subjects
Comments
There are no comments for Lunar Eclipse Geometry. Click here to post the first comment.