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A breathtaking celestial event is set to occur this Saturday – a partial lunar eclipse. Prepare to be captivated as you witness Earth’s shadow cast upon the moon. The eclipse path will span across Europe, Africa, most of Asia, and western Australia, providing an awe-inspiring sight. From 3:34 p.m. to 4:52 p.m. ET, the moon will appear to have a bite taken out of it, leaving observers in absolute wonder.
But that’s not all; there’s more to this celestial spectacle. An additional penumbral eclipse will also take place, starting at 2:01 p.m. ET. During this phenomenon, the moon will slightly dim, reflecting Earth’s outer shadow known as the penumbra. Following this, the planet’s inner and darker shadow, the umbra, will create the partial eclipse.
While those in eastern coasts of North and South America will only catch the tail end of the penumbral eclipse at 6:26 p.m. ET, they too will witness a remarkable display of nature’s artistry.
Although the moon won’t turn red like during a total lunar eclipse – where sunlight passes through Earth’s dusty atmosphere, casting a crimson hue – the partial eclipse will still provide an easy-to-see show without requiring any special equipment. Dr. Shannon Schmoll, Director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, confirms that as long as you are on the night side of Earth and can see the moon, you will witness this phenomenon. However, having a telescope or visiting nearby observatories will allow for a more detailed experience.
Interestingly, this upcoming partial lunar eclipse will coincide with October’s full moon, also known as the hunter’s moon. This name stems from the tradition of hunters preparing for the approaching winter months, using the full moon as a forewarning, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Understanding lunar eclipses requires specific alignment. They can only occur when the moon is completely full and aligns with the sun and Earth. On other occasions, the moon is either behind or in front of Earth, preventing a lunar eclipse from taking place.
How often can one witness these celestial phenomena? On average, there are two lunar eclipses each year. The last lunar eclipse, a penumbral eclipse, occurred in May, and stargazers will have to wait until March 2024 for the next one.
It is worth noting that lunar and solar eclipses often come in pairs. Solar eclipses, on the other hand, require the moon to be in its new moon phase. Just two weeks ago, an annular solar eclipse created a mesmerizing “ring of fire” across the Americas.
Dr. Shannon Schmoll emphasizes the significance of observing Earth’s shadow, as it provides a unique perspective that most individuals don’t get to witness. Seeing this shadow serves as a reminder of our place in the vast universe we occupy.
As you prepare to witness this remarkable event, keep an eye out for Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, which will also be visible during the partial lunar eclipse. The next lunar eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, visible to stargazers in North America on March 25, 2024. Furthermore, mark your calendars for another astronomical event – a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, visible in North America.
While this weekend’s partial lunar eclipse marks the last opportunity to witness an eclipse in 2023, there are still plenty of reasons to gaze up at the night sky. Don’t miss the Orionid meteor shower, which will continue until November 22, as well as other meteor shower peaks throughout the remaining months of the year:
- Southern Taurids: November 5-6
- Northern Taurids: November 11-12
- Leonids: November 17-18
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Additionally, be sure to make note of the final two full moons in 2023, known as the Beaver moon on November 27 and the Cold moon on December 26, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
