Lunar Eclipse Fill-in-the-Blanks: 20 Questions for Astronomy Enthusiasts

Many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse, but are surprised to learn that 'lunar eclipses' are often just as impressive. While total solar eclipse lasts only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilometers, total 'lunar eclipse' can last for several hours and can be seen over much of the planet. In fact, the beauty and stability of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both 'amateur' and professional photographers.

Lunar eclipses generally occur two or three times a year, and are possible only when the Moon is 'full'. When we see the Moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the Moon. When the Earth is positioned in between the Moon and the Sun, however, the Earth's 'shadow' falls on the Moon, and a lunar eclipse occurs.

The type of lunar eclipse — 'total, partial, or penumbral' — that occurs depends both on how much of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow and through which part of the shadow it passes. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's 'outer' shadow. This type of eclipse is brief and frequently goes unobserved by all but astronomers. By contrast, total and partial eclipses occur when all or part, respectively, of the Moon passes through the 'umbra' shadow of the Earth. These eclipses are quite easy to see and are widely observed.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are 'safe' to watch. Solar radiation that occurs during an eclipse of the Sun can cause a form of burns of one's eyes known as 'eclipse blindness'. In fact, the only way to safely view a solar eclipse is by using specially designed 'equipment'. However, since the Moon's light is reflected sunlight, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse without any special equipment, although a pair of 'binoculars' can certainly help the viewer appreciate the beauty of this phenomenon.

1. Many people are aware of the beauty of a solar eclipse, but are surprised to learn that _______ are often just as impressive.
2. While total solar eclipse lasts only for a few minutes and can be seen only in a small area of a few kilometers, total lunar eclipse can last for _______ and can be seen over much of the planet.
3. In fact, the beauty and stability of lunar eclipses make them a favorite of both _______ and professional photographers.
4. Lunar eclipses generally occur two or three times a year, and are possible only when the Moon is _______.
5. When we see the Moon, we are actually seeing sunlight reflected off the surface of the Moon. When the Earth is positioned in between the Moon and the Sun, however, the Earth's _______ falls on the Moon, and a lunar eclipse occurs.
6. The type of lunar eclipse — _______ — that occurs depends both on how much of the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow and through which part of the shadow it passes.
7. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's _______ shadow. This type of eclipse is brief and frequently goes unobserved by all but astronomers.
8. By contrast, total and partial eclipses occur when all or part, respectively, of the Moon passes through the _______ shadow of the Earth. These eclipses are quite easy to see and are widely observed.
9. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are _______ to watch.
10. Solar radiation that occurs during an eclipse of the Sun can cause a form of burns of one's eyes known as _______ blindness.
11. In fact, the only way to safely view a solar eclipse is by using specially designed _______.
12. However, since the Moon's light is reflected sunlight, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse without any special equipment, although a pair of _______ can certainly help the viewer appreciate the beauty of this phenomenon.