P1 → U1
Penumbral Phase
The Moon enters Earth's penumbral shadow. A subtle darkening appears on the lunar surface, often difficult to see with the naked eye. Careful photography can reveal the gradient.
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Eclipse Calendar
Eclipse Timeline
Phases and contact points during a total lunar eclipse
Penumbral
Partial
Total / Blood Moon
Phase Breakdown
U1 → U2
Partial Phase
The Moon enters Earth's umbral shadow. A dark, curved bite becomes clearly visible on the lunar disc. The shadow edge is sharp — this is the most dynamic phase for photography.
U2 → U3
Totality / Blood Moon
The Moon is fully within Earth's umbra. Sunlight refracted through Earth's atmosphere gives the Moon a red or copper color. Brightness varies — see the Danjon scale below.
U3 → U4
Partial Phase Ends
The Moon begins exiting Earth's umbral shadow. The bright limb re-emerges. This transition is great for capturing the contrast between the illuminated and shadowed portions.
U4 → P4
Penumbral Phase Ends
The Moon exits the penumbral shadow. The subtle shading gradually disappears and the Moon returns to its normal full brightness. The eclipse is complete at P4.
Eclipse Simulator
Visualize the Moon passing through Earth's shadow
PhaseBefore Eclipse
Moon in Shadow0%
P1
U1
U2
Max
U3
U4
P4
Danjon Scale
Brightness and color of the Moon during totality
What determines eclipse color? The Moon's color during totality depends on Earth's atmospheric conditions. Volcanic eruptions, dust, and cloud cover along the terminator affect how much sunlight is refracted into the shadow. A very dark L0 eclipse may follow a major volcanic eruption.
Camera Settings
Recommended settings for each eclipse scenario
Total Lunar Eclipse — Blood Moon
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/5.6 – f/8
Shutter
1/4 – 4s
ISO
800 – 3200
White Balance
3500K
Extra
Tripod essential
Partial Lunar Eclipse
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/8 – f/11
Shutter
1/125 – 1/4
ISO
400 – 1600
White Balance
Daylight
Extra
Track transition
Penumbral Eclipse
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/8
Shutter
1/250 – 1/60
ISO
200 – 800
White Balance
Daylight
Extra
Subtle — bracket exposures
Blood Moon Close-up
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/8
Shutter
1 – 4s
ISO
1600 – 3200
Focal Length
400mm+
Extra
Remote trigger essential
Eclipse Sequence / Composite
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/8
Shutter
Bracket per phase
ISO
200 – 1600
Tripod
Fixed tripod
Extra
Shoot every 5–10 min
Eclipse Landscape
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/2.8 – f/4
Shutter
2 – 15s
ISO
1600 – 6400
Focal Length
Wide 14–24mm
Extra
Include foreground
Eclipse + Foreground
Mode
Manual
Aperture
f/4
Shutter
Blend 2 exposures
ISO
800 – 1600
Focus
Use focus stacking
Extra
Plan composition pre-eclipse
iPhone / Phone
Mode
Night mode ON
Zoom
Max zoom
Stabilization
Tripod / mount
App
Pro mode if available
Exposure
+1 to +2 EV
Extra
Use phone adapter on telescope
Quick Reference
Best lens for blood moon?
200–600mm telephoto on tripod
Moon too bright before eclipse?
Use Looney 11 rule: f/11, 1/ISO shutter
Moon blurry at long focal length?
Mirror lock-up + remote trigger, or 2s timer
Moon trailing during totality?
Keep shutter under 1/focal length (500 rule)
How to focus on the Moon?
Manual focus + Live View at 10× magnification
File format?
RAW — critical for blood moon color grading
Exposure changes during eclipse?
Yes — adjust ISO/shutter as Moon darkens
Sequence composite spacing?
Every 5–10 min, same framing and aperture
Planning Guide
Prepare for a successful eclipse shoot
Gear
- Telephoto 200mm+, ideally 400mm+
- Sturdy tripod & remote shutter release
- Extra batteries & memory cards
- Red headlamp, warm layers
Day-of Timeline
- 2 hrs before: Set up, practice focusing on Moon
- 30 min before P1: Shoot full Moon reference frames
- During eclipse: Adjust exposure every 5–10 min
Location
- Dark sky, unobstructed view toward the Moon
- Higher elevation reduces atmospheric haze
- Scout foreground elements for composition
- Have a backup location for clouds
Avoid
- Autofocus — switch to manual before eclipse
- Auto white balance — kills blood moon color
- Not bracketing during totality
- Shooting JPEG instead of RAW
Exposure Reference by Phase
| Phase | ISO | Aperture | Shutter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Moon (before eclipse) | 100 | f/11 | 1/250 | Looney 11 rule |
| Penumbral | 200 | f/8 | 1/125 | Subtle darkening |
| Partial (25%) | 400 | f/8 | 1/60 | Shadow clearly visible |
| Partial (75%) | 800 | f/5.6 | 1/15 | Moon noticeably dimmer |
| Totality (bright, L3-L4) | 1600 | f/5.6 | 1/4 – 1s | Blood moon visible |
| Totality (dark, L0-L1) | 3200 | f/4 | 2 – 8s | Very dim — long exposure |
| Totality (mid, L2) | 1600 | f/5.6 | 1 – 4s | Deep red / rust |