A total eclipse (of either the Moon or the Sun) occurs when the Moon or Sun is entirely blocked out.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is completely obscured by the dark center of Earth’s shadow (called the umbra), giving the Moon a dark, reddish hue.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the full Moon enters the shadow of Earth, which cuts off all or part of the sunlight reflected off the Moon. Lunar eclipses are technically visible from the entire night side of Earth, but during a penumbral eclipse, the dimming of the Moon’s illumination is slight. Learn more about lunar terminology.
A penumbral eclipse is a type of lunar eclipse. Penumbral eclipses occur when the Moon enters only the faint outer edge of Earth’s shadow (called the penumbra), which causes the Moon to appear slightly darker than usual. The effect is so slight that a penumbral eclipse can be hard to recognize unless you know to look for it!
Did you know…
- A total lunar eclipse has the direct sunlight completely blocked by the earth’s shadow.
- The color and brightness of the totally eclipsed moon depends on global weather conditions and the amount of dust suspended in the air.
When’s the next lunar eclipse?
Following a penumbral eclipse on March 25, 2024, and a partial eclipse on September 18, 2024, the next total eclipse will occur on March 14, 2025
Windspree has more information about the amazing sky in the calendar of even more astrological events and a list of eclipses, both solar and lunar, as well as a full moon schedule for the current calendar year! Check it out and choose the best dates to visit Coral Bay, St. John!
If you’re interested in booking St. John Virgin Islands rentals, the best resource is Windspree Vacation Homes, renting Virgin Islands vacation rentals for over 30 years. Book your St. John vacation rental from people who live there and know the island best! For more information on Virgin Islands rentals and St. John USVI rentals, checkout Windspree.com and call or text (340)201-3002.