Lunar Eclipse 2021: Interesting Facts About Lunar Eclipse That Will Surprise You

Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 9:40

Lunar Eclipse is a celestial phenomenon in which the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon. Due to this, Earth blocks most of the sunlight reflecting on the moon's surface.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), 'the partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 12:48 pm and will end at 4:17 pm (on November 19). Here are some interesting facts about the lunar eclipse that you may not be knowing. Scroll down the article to know more about it:

1. Lunar Eclipses Occur On Full Moon Day

A lunar eclipse will occur only when there is a full moon day but that doesn't mean that an eclipse will take place on every full moon day. This is because the moon's orbit is not always aligned with the Earth's orbit. The day when a full moon gets aligned with the Earth and Sun, a lunar eclipse takes place.

2. There Are Three Types Of Lunar Eclipses

There are three types of lunar eclipses- total, partial and penumbral.The total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth's shadow fully covers the surface of the moon.
A partial lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth's shadow covers only a small portion of the moon.
Whereas the penumbral lunar eclipse will occur only when Earth's lighter outer shadow covers the moon.

3. ‘Syzygy’ Means When Three Celestial Bodies Get Aligned

Whenever three celestial bodies get aligned on a line then this phenomenon is known as syzygy. This doesn't have to be an eclipse all the time.

4. You Can See Lunar Eclipse From Moon Too!

This may sound weird and illogical but this is true. If you are standing on the moon during a lunar eclipse, you will find that a part of the Earth looks dark. This is because the Sun is behind the Earth.

5. Earth's Atmosphere Decides The Moon's Colour

At times you may find that the moon appears reddish during a total lunar eclipse. This is because of the particles present in the Earth's atmosphere during the eclipse. The Sun's ray passes through Earth's atmosphere and due to the presence of various particles, the Sun's ray gets refracted which changes the colour of the moon.

6. The Shadow Of Earth Determines The Duration Of Lunar Eclipse

Have you ever thought about the reason behind the variation in the duration of lunar eclipses? Well, the time duration depends upon the shape of the Earth's shadow falling on the moon's surface. This also happens if the moon is moving within the shadow range of the Earth. If yes, then the lunar eclipse will stay for a longer duration of time.

7. When The Moon Is Dark, It Is Called 'Totality'

Do you know what the moon is called when it appears totally dark during the lunar eclipse? Well, it is known as 'Totality' and this happens only when there is a total lunar eclipse. A totality usually lasts for two hours. However, it can be for a shorter duration as well.

8. How Lunar Eclipse Helped Christopher Columbus

In 1503 when Christopher Columbus was stuck in Jamaica after he lost his ship, he faced a lot of struggles in finding food and shelter. The people refused to offer any help to Columbus and his crew members. Columbus thought of tricking the local people by believing that he had some powers to make the moon disappear.

Since Columbus was carrying an almanac written by Regiomontanus, an important German astronomer. He knew that a total lunar eclipse will be taking place soon. Therefore, he tricked the people saying that if they didn't provide them food, he will be seizing away the moon's light. After the lunar eclipse started taking place, people feared that Columbus literally has some magical powers and so they agreed to help him and his crew only if he brings back the moon's light.