#Lunar eclipse how to#

As a result, lunar eclipses tend to come in batches when the Moon is at a similar inclination. This is because the Moon's orbit around Earth is not in a flat plane - it's angled at about five degrees, which means that the Moon often goes above or below Earth's shadow as it orbits around. When Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and Sun, Earths shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon. But despite the Moon only taking 29.5 days to orbit Earth and complete a cycle from full Moon to full Moon, there are only on average about three lunar eclipses every year. Lunar eclipses occur at the full moon phase.

Why isn't there a lunar eclipse every month?Ī lunar eclipse only occurs during a full Moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are all aligned. Try to minimise the light in your vicinity and, ideally, watch from a spot where your line of sight won't be obstructed by tall buildings or trees.Ī lunar eclipse can last several hours, but the period of totality - when the Moon is completely in Earth's shadow - usually only lasts an hour or so. To get the best view you'll need to be on the night side of Earth when one occurs, and you'll need a clear sky that's free of clouds.

#Lunar eclipse how to#

How to get the best view of a lunar eclipse This is because lunar eclipses only reflect sunlight - they don't get any brighter than a full Moon, which you've probably safely observed many times before. The good thing about all types of lunar eclipse is that, unlike a solar eclipse, they are safe to view with the naked eye.