Lunar Eclipse Phenomena: Modeled and Explained

A model based on celestial geometry and atmospheric physics predicts the dimming and the color of lunar eclipses. Corresponding visual magnitudes and color indices for eclipses from year 2000 through 2050 are listed. The enlargement of the Earth’s umbral shadow reported by observers for over 300 years is explained. The geometrical aspects of the model are the sizes and separations of the Sun, Moon and Earth. Atmospheric effects include refraction, absorption and focusing of sunlight.