A moon eclipse occurs when the moon passes in the shadow of the earth. It can be total, partial or penumbral.
The last two lunar eclipses date back to March 14 and September 7, 2025. During the eclipse, the moon successively crosses the dark and then the earthly shadow, which gives it a copper tint, hence the name “Blood Moon”.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A moon eclipse occurs When the moon passes in the shadow of the earththe latter then interposing between the sun and the moon, blocking all or part of the solar radiation which enlightens the moon, indicates the institute of celestial mechanics and calculating ephemeris (IMCCE).
► A moon eclipse is total When the moon completely crosses the earth’s shadow, it is no longer seen from the earth at all.
► A moon eclipse is partial When only a part of the moon enters the shadow of the earth
► A moon eclipse is penumbral (rare phenomenon) when the moon only crosses the darkness area of the earth.
On the diagram below, we see that the moon passes behind the earth, in other words, “it disappears” behind the earth. We no longer see her.
Is a lunar eclipse dangerous for the eyes?
The lunar eclipse is harmless and is not dangerous for the eyeseven when it is visible to the naked eye, Unlike the solar eclipse Who is dangerous for the eyes when looked at without protection, explains the French Astronomy Association (AFA) on its website. However, for more comfort, it is possible to use twins or a telescope to look at it (when it is obviously visible).
Image: Where to review the last total moon eclipse?
The last total moon eclipse dates back to September 7, 2025. It was partly visible in France in the evening around 8 p.m. A live has been produced from Cyprus by the Time and Date media. At its maximum, the moon eclipse was red (see photo below).
Do you need special glasses to see a moon eclipse?
No, not necessarily since the eclipse of the moon is not dangerous for the eyes. We can therefore look at it with the naked eye, without fear of harmful consequences for life and without having special glasses.
Aspect: What does a moon eclipse look like?
During a total eclipse of the moon, the light rays passing through the earth’s atmosphere are deflected by atmospheric refraction and light the moon. This light flow, closer to the center of the moon, manifests itself in a reddish coloringwhich evokes the appearance of the sky a little during a sunset. The other regions of the moon are rather gray. The appearance and colors vary depending on the eclipses and depend on atmospheric weather conditions.
