How often do lunar eclipses occur?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon and is precisely aligned in such a way that it blocks light from the Sun, which is otherwise reflected off the Moon. Next Saturday, November 19, it will also be possible to observe a partial lunar eclipse from Ecuador, the longest of the 21st century, according to NASA. The total duration of the eclipse will be 6 hours and 2 minutes, indicated the experts from the Quito Astronomical Observatory.

There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. The most dramatic is a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon. A lunar eclipse can occur only when there is a full moon.

In North America, the November full moon is more commonly known as the beaver moon, in honor of these industrious semi-aquatic rodents. Because November also marks the time when heavy, bitter frosts become more frequent, this month’s moon is also sometimes called the frost moon.

The lunar eclipses occur two to five times a year, But total lunar eclipses occur twice every three years. The next lunar eclipse after the partial eclipse of this November 19 will be the May 16, 2022. It will be visible in Africa, Europe, and North and South America.

NASA catalogs lunar and solar eclipses, having recorded them since 1901, and has calculated their occurrence up to the year 2100. From 2000 BC to 3,000 BC, there will have been 12,064 eclipses, according to the Jerusalem Post.

What causes a lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth slides between the Moon and the Sun, so that the shadow of our planet overshadows or “falls on” the Moon, Live Science explains. Shadow can block all, or in the case of a partial eclipse most, of the sunlight and paint the Moon a dark, rusty red.

The advantage of lunar eclipses is that they can be seen with the naked eye, and no special glasses or filters are needed. Astronomers recommend using a basic telescope or binoculars. (I)