How does a lunar eclipse occur? A lunar eclipse is produced by the passage of a planetary satellite, in this case, the Moon, by the shadow projected by the Earth; When this happens, the direct light that we receive from the Moon from the Sun is interrupted, momentarily obscuring the presence of the satellite. Basically, the Earth stands between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sun’s rays that reach the Moon. This cone of shadow of the Earth on the Moon causes its appearance to darken.
Lunar eclipses (of which there are four types, total, partial, penumbral and hybrid ) can only happen in the full moon phase but, because the lunar orbit is inclined with respect to the plane of the ecliptic, we do not have an eclipse every month. when the full moon occurs. The positive is that they can be observed from wide areas of the planet, as long as the Moon is above the horizon.
Normally the disappearance of the Moon is not complete; we see the disk illuminated by the light scattered by the earth’s atmosphere with a halo of a certain reddish color, which gives it a beauty rarely seen. Penumbral eclipses, for example, take place when the Moon enters the penumbra that produces the Earth. The one that took place in 2017, specifically, except in some areas of the planet such as Hawaii, Antarctica, South Korea, Japan or Australia, could be seen in America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Another lunar eclipse took place on August 7, 2017. In this case it was partial and it was the last we could see in 2017. Later we waited until 2018 to see one of the most spectacular: it was on January 31, 2018 and we were able to enjoy a fantastic total lunar eclipse. Then, on July 27, 2018, he gave us another total lunar eclipse.
A very special day for lovers of astronomical observation, since apart from the total lunar eclipse, the longest of the 21st century, it also coincided with the opposition of Mars. We remember that to contemplate Mars we do need a telescope. To observe the Moon, we just have to look up and look for the slightly reddish lunar star in the night sky.
The next lunar eclipse took place on January 21, 2019 and was visible from Africa, North and South America, and Europe.
In 2020 we have a penumbral lunar eclipse, specifically on November 30, 2020, where the Moon passed from right to left through the shadow of our planet.
For the next one, we will have to wait for the year 2021, so we should not miss the opportunity to contemplate the one that with calendar in hand, touches us closer.
Eclipses of 2021
On May 26, 2021 we will be able to enjoy a total lunar eclipse that will represent the first of the two lunar eclipses that will take place throughout 2021.
November 19, 2021 will be the next lunar eclipse but, in this case, it will not be total but partial.
So when will another total lunar eclipse take place after this date?
We will have to be patient and wait until May 16, 2022 to enjoy another total lunar eclipse.
