This year, there will be two Lunar Eclipses that will be viewable from the U.S.

“The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the Sun’s rays from reaching the Moon,” MrEclipse.com explains. “In contrast, the inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.”

In essence, a Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth covers parts or all of the light coming from the Sun. Due to the Moon being unable to reflect the Sun’s beams, we will see it cast from Earth’s shadow which gives it a reddish tint. You can learn why the moon appears red by clicking here.

On May 26, even though a Total Lunar Eclipse will occur, only a portion of the partial phase is visible to the eastern U.S.

From November 18-19, a Partial Lunar Eclipse will be fully visible.

Despite 2021 being a rough year, at least we can enjoy a beautiful eclipse and be socially distanced!