A '''lunar eclipse''' occurs when the [[moon]] passes through the [[shadow]] cast by the [[earth]]. Eclipses can be partial or total: in a total eclipse, the earth's shadow completely blocks the sun's direct light to the moon; in a partial eclipse, some of the moon is still illuminated. | A '''lunar eclipse''' occurs when the [[moon]] passes through the [[shadow]] cast by the [[earth]]. Eclipses can be partial or total: in a total eclipse, the earth's shadow completely blocks the sun's direct light to the moon; in a partial eclipse, some of the moon is still illuminated. |