Lunar Eclipse Calendar

What is a lunar eclipse calendar? A lunar eclipse calendar is a calendar that is based on cycles of the moon phases. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon lines up precisely behind the Earth so that the Earth blocks the Sun’s rays and the Earths shadow falls upon the Moon. This relatively rare occurrence only happens when the Moon, Earth and Sun are exactly or very closely aligned, with the Earth in the middle. The shadow cast can partially or totally cover the Moon, creating partial eclipses and total eclipses for our viewing pleasure. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depends upon the Moon’s location relative to its orbital nodes. A lunar eclipse lasts for a few hours and can be viewed from anyone on the night side of the Earth. Because lunar eclipses are no brighter than the full moon itself, they are safe to observe without any eye protection or special precautions.

Lunar Eclipse Calendar

The lunar eclipse calendar is a listing of some upcoming lunar eclipses. Times are expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (UT), the international basis for other time zones. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depends upon the Moon’s location relative to its orbital nodes. A lunar eclipse lasts for a few hours and can be viewed from anyone on the night side of the Earth. For additional lunar eclipse dates, please see NASA’s lunar eclipse page.

Object	Type	Year	Date
Solar Eclipse	Total	2019	July 2
Lunar Eclipse	Partial	2019	July 16-17
Solar Eclipse	Annular	2019	December 26
Lunar Eclipse	Penumbral	2020	January 10-11
Lunar Eclipse	Penumbral	2020	June 5-6
Solar Eclipse	Annular	2020	June 21
Lunar Eclipse	Penumbral	2020	July 4-5
Lunar Eclipse	Penumbral	2020	November 29-30
Solar Eclipse	Total	2020	December 14
Lunar Eclipse	Total	2021	Nay 26
Solar Eclipse	Annular	2021	June 10
Lunar Eclipse	Partial	2021	November 18-19
Solar Eclipse	Total	2021	December 4

Lunar Eclipse Cycle

Every year there are at least two lunar eclipses, although total lunar eclipses are significantly less common. If one knows the date and time of an eclipse, it is possible to predict the occurrence of other eclipses using an eclipse cycle like the saros.

Lunar Eclipse Mythology

Lunar Eclipse Calendar

Several cultures have myths related to the lunar eclipse. The Egyptians saw the eclipse as a sow swallowing the moon for a short time. Other cultures viewed the eclipse as the moon being swallowed by other animals, such as a jaguar in Mayan tradition, or a three legged toad in China. Some societies thought it was a demon swallowing the moon, and that they could chase it away by throwing stones and curses at it.

Popular Full Moon Calendars

Full Moon Names History

Full Moon Names

Full Moon names have been used by many cultures to describe the full moon throughout the year. Specifically, Native American tribes used moon phases and cycles to keep track of the seasons by giving a distinctive name to each recurring full moon, including the Flower Moon. The unique full moon names were used to identify the entire month during which each occurred.
Although many Native American tribes gave distinct names to the full moon, the most well known full moon names come from the Algonquin tribes who lived in the area of New England and westward to Lake Superior. The Algonquin tribes had perhaps the greatest effect on the early European settlers in America, and the settlers adopted the Native American habit of naming the full moons.

Learn More About The Moon!

Lunar Eclipse Calendar