What causes a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are aligned. A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, causing it to appear red, often referred to as a “blood moon” due to the scattering of light through Earth’s atmosphere. Lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is visible.