Bhubaneswar: The longest lunar eclipse so far this century will occur on Friday, and here are some facts you must know.
>> The word eclipse comes from the Greek word meaning downfall.
>> More people on Earth can view a lunar eclipse than a solar eclipse.
>> Some lunar eclipses can last up to 3 hours and 45 minutes.
>> Usually, eclipses alternate from solar to lunar.
>> Three times in a year is the maximum time a lunar eclipse usually occurs.
>> There are typically more solar eclipses than lunar eclipses per year.
>> There are three types of lunar eclipses: partial, full, and penumbral.
>> During a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.
>> A full lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly in front of a full moon.
>> When the moon passes through the penumbral shadow of the Earth, a penumbral lunar eclipse occurrs.
>> The appearance or darkness of the moon varies during a total lunar eclipse due to the variation in the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere.
>> It is not dangerous to look directly at the moon during a lunar eclipse because it is not giving off its own light.
>> In ancient times, a total lunar eclipse or disappearance of the moon meant that the gods were angry with the people.
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