October 27, 2004
As planetary bodies orbit around one another, occasionally Earth ends up between the moon and sun. As a result, the light coming from the sun is completely blocked off. This celestial phenomenon is known as a “lunar eclipse,” causing the earth to cast a shadow onto the moon, which appears red or orange. On average, a lunar eclipse takes place twice a year and lasts for several hours, although in some instances, as many as five lunar eclipses may occur throughout the year. Humans have learned a great deal about our solar system through studying lunar eclipses. For instance, scientists discovered the moon’s physical composition by taking the celestial bodies temperature during a lunar eclipse. In the past, many believed Earth was flat. However, this was proved incorrect, as the shadow Earth projected onto the moon was round.
