Presets:
Target:
Phase: New Moon (0.00d)
Node Dist: 0.0° (Exact Node)
Moon Dist: 362,600 km (Perigee)
Umbra Dia: 108 km on Earth
Observer Sky View Lat 38°N
Moon Orbital Angle Phase
180.0°
Lunar Distance Perigee/Apogee
362,600 km
Node Line Tilt 5.14° Inclination
0.0°
Observer Latitude Earth POV
38° N
Tip: Drag directly on the space viewport to position the Moon or orbit camera.
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Total vs. Annular Eclipses

The Moon's elliptical orbit varies from 356,400 km (perigee) to 406,700 km (apogee). When near perigee, the Moon's apparent angular diameter exceeds the Sun's (total eclipse). Near apogee, the Moon is too small to cover the photosphere, creating the "Ring of Fire" (annular eclipse with an antumbra).

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Why is a Lunar Eclipse Red?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere undergoes Rayleigh scattering: blue light scatters away while red wavelengths refract onto the lunar surface ("Blood Moon").

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Umbra, Penumbra & Antumbra

The Umbra is the dark central cone of complete occultation. The Penumbra is the region where only part of the Sun is obscured. The Antumbra is the extension of the shadow beyond the apex where the Moon appears entirely inside the solar disc.