This reputation is undeserved, however. During a total lunar eclipse, the spectacularly bright disk of the full moon is shrouded in Earth's shadow and turns a deep shade of red or orange. The spectacle of the Moon's disk half-enveloped in the shadow is an unforgettable sight, and one not to be missed by casual observers. Observations of lunar eclipses played an important in early reckonings of the size of the moon and its distance from earth. The ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus was able to deduce, from measurements taken during lunar and solar eclipses, the size and distance of the moon - a feat that is even more impressive because he did his work almost 2,000 years before the invention of the telescope.
Historians are aware of many eclipses that played an important role in shaping world events.
In 1503, during Columbus's fourth voyage to the new world, his ship was damaged while exploring Central America. Taking on water, the crew tried to reach the Spanish settlement at what is today the Dominican Republic. They made it as far as Jamaica, where they were stranded for several months while the crew made repairs. Supplies ran low but the crew was able to trade with the natives for food. This arrangement worked for awhile until several incidents of mistreatment of the natives caused Columbus's welcome to wear out.