A lunar eclipse will darken the moon Wednesday
 

A lunar eclipse will darken the moon Wednesday
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Earth's shadow will darken part of the moon Wednesday morning (March 23) in a lunar eclipse that will be visible from much of the globe, including central and western **rth America.

But don't get too excited, skywatchers. Wednesday's lunar eclipse is of the penumbral variety, and the effect will therefore be subtle and subdued compared to the jaw-dropping "blood moons" caused by total lunar eclipses.

SEE ALSO: How lunar eclipses work (infographic)


Earth's shadow is composed of two parts: the dark, inner umbra and a faint, outer portion called the penumbra. As the term suggests, penumbral eclipses involve the moon dipping into the penumbra (but steering clear of the umbra). Weather*permitting, well-placed observers who look carefully Wednesday morning should be able to see the moon's lower portions take on a smudged appearance.
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