What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon. There are two types of lunar eclipses—partial (when only part of the Moon is covered) and total (when the entire Moon is in Earth’s shadow). During a total eclipse, the Moon can look reddish-orange, often called a “blood moon,” because sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere and scatters. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye and can last for hours.