Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, the misunderstood middle child of the celestial shadow family of eclipses.
But just because it’s not as dramatic as a Total Lunar Eclipse, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be celebrated!
A penumbral lunar eclipse is like the moon being lightly tickled by the earth’s shadow.

In the world of mythology, a penumbral lunar eclipse was a celestial event that often left people scratching their heads.
Some cultures saw it as a giant celestial dragon devouring the moon, while others believed it was a sign of impending doom.
The ancient Greeks even thought that the moon was being kidnapped by the gods and had to be rescued.
But despite all the fuss and myth, one thing was clear, a penumbral lunar eclipse was a still pretty cool and sparked the imagination of people throughout history.
So next time you catch one, remember that you’re in good company.
From dragons to gods, the penumbral lunar eclipse has been making an impact for thousands of years.

So, what exactly is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse? It’s when the Moon passes through the outer, lighter part of Earth’s shadow, also known as the penumbra.
This means the Moon will appear to have a faint, subtle darkening, but it’s still pretty nice to see the Moon interact with our planet like that!
It’s like a game of “Light and Shadow” between the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon.

Penumbra comes from the Latin word “penumbra,” meaning “almost shadow.”
A penumbra is a partially shaded area. It is the outer part of a shadow where only part of the light is blocked.
For example, during a lunar eclipse, the penumbra is the part of the Moon that only partially enters the Earth’s shadow.
Basically, it’s the partial shadow cast by an object blocking the light.
The penumbra is contrasted with the “umbra” which is the fully shaded inner region of a shadow.

Despite its musical-sounding name, a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is not a new type of music, despite what you may have heard. Although, if you do happen to find a lunar eclipse-themed album, let us know! We’d love to hear what it sounds like!

So, what does a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse look like?
It’s a subtle change in the moon’s appearance, with a slight darkening visible on the moon’s surface.
It’s like taking a moonlit walk in the park and noticing the street lights dimming just a bit.
Maybe not as visually stunning as a Total Lunar Eclipse, but it’s still a unique experience to see the Moon change ever so slightly in the night sky.
And it’s still an excellent excuse to stargaze and enjoy the sky’s natural beauty.

Should you go watch a penumbral lunar eclipse?
It’s still nice to see the moon and watch it change ever so slightly
On the other hand, it might be harder to spot and it may not be visible from your location.
Some may say it’s like watching paint dry in slow motion on the moon.

So, go ahead, grab a friend, look up at the sky, and enjoy the Moon’s faint darkening.