A partial lunar eclipse will happen today, August 7, 2017.
Lunar eclipses occur when Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light, which otherwise reflects off the moon. There are three types — total, partial and penumbral — with the most dramatic being a total lunar eclipse, in which Earth's shadow completely covers the moon.
Here is a schedule of upcoming lunar eclipses:
January 31, 2024: Total eclipse. Visible from Asia, Australia, Pacific Ocean, western North America.
July 27, 2023: Total eclipse. Visible from South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia.
A lunar eclipse can occur only at full moon. A total lunar eclipse can happen only when the sun, Earth and moon are perfectly lined up — anything less than perfection creates a partial lunar eclipse or no eclipse at all.
Some eclipses are only partial. But even a total lunar eclipse goes through a partial phase on either side of totality. During the partial phase, the sun, Earth and moon are not quite perfectly aligned, and Earth’s shadow appears to take a bite out of the moon.
Penumbral lunar eclipse is the least interesting type of eclipse, because the moon is in Earth’s faint outer (penumbral) shadow. Unless you’re a seasoned skywatcher, you likely won’t notice the effect.
Just In! Slooh to webcast partial lunar eclipse today ahead of 2017 solar eclipse
Although the partial lunar eclipse will be visible in person only in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, people outside that region don't have to miss out: The astronomy broadcasting service eclipse Slooh will webcast the lunar eclipse live starting at 11:45 a.m. EDT (1545 GMT). The lunar eclipse is occuring during the August full moon, or the Full Sturgeon Moon.
The lunar eclipse will begin at 11:50 a.m. EDT (1550 GMT) and peak at 2:20 p.m. EDT (1820 GMT). Slooh's webcast will end at 3:20 p.m. EDT (1920 GMT). Catch more scoop at Space.com and peak at 2:20 p.m. EDT (1820 GMT). Slooh's webcast will end at 3:20 p.m. EDT (1920 GMT). You can also watch the lunar eclipse on Space.com, courtesy of Slooh).