Here's how it works:
* The Earth's shadow: During a lunar eclipse, the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon. This casts the Earth's shadow onto the lunar surface.
* The moon passes through the shadow: As the Moon travels through the Earth's shadow, it appears darker.
* Different types of eclipses: A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon is completely within the Earth's umbra (the darkest part of the shadow). A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the Moon enters the umbra.
So, the Earth doesn't "block" the sunlight entirely. It simply casts its shadow on the Moon, resulting in the eclipse.
