In a month, the second full moon is called a blue moon by some; this is a relatively recent tradition dating from the middle of the last century. That’s because the last of this year's four hard-to-see penumbral lunar eclipses will be in progress as the moon rises above the northeast horizon just before 9pm. During a total eclipse, the moon darkens, and it can appear blood red for more than an hour. The second variety of lunar eclipse is a partial eclipse when Earth’s dark umbra covers only part of the moon. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHThe third form of lunar eclipse is penumbral, which can go almost unnoticed.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 29, 2020 14:26 UTC