Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more. CNN — Get ready for a stunning night sky show this Saturday with a partial lunar eclipse. During this event, individuals in Europe, Africa, most of Asia, and western Australia will witness Earth’s shadow reflected on the moon, giving it the appearance of having a bite taken out of it from 3:34 p.m. to 4:52 p.m. ET. The partial eclipse will be accompanied by a penumbral eclipse starting at 2:01 p.m. ET, causing the moon to slightly dim as it reflects Earth’s outer shadow known as the penumbra. This dimming will be followed by Earth’s inner shadow or the umbra, resulting in the partial eclipse. Those on the eastern coasts of North and South America will catch a glimpse of the tail end of the penumbral eclipse before it ends at 6:26 p.m. ET. 
Although the moon won’t turn red like it does during a total lunar eclipse, this partial eclipse promises to be an easy-to-see spectacle that doesn’t require any additional equipment. Dr. Shannon Schmoll, the director of the Abrams Planetarium in Michigan State University, explained that as long as you can see the moon from the night side of Earth, you’ll be able to witness the event. Telescopes and observatories are great if you’re looking to observe more detailed aspects, but they are not necessary. Marked by the hunter’s moon, October’s full moon, this partial lunar eclipse only occurs when the moon is entirely full and perfectly aligned with the sun and Earth. Unlike a total lunar eclipse where the moon moves fully into Earth’s shadow, a partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through only part of Earth’s shadow. On average, two lunar eclipses take place each year due to the orbits of the moon and Earth. The last lunar eclipse happened in May as a penumbral eclipse, and the next one is scheduled for March 2024. Since solar eclipses depend on the new moon phase, they often coincide with lunar eclipses. This Saturday’s partial lunar eclipse comes two weeks after an annular solar eclipse that set the sky aglow with a “ring of fire” over the Americas. For most people, observing Earth’s shadow from a different perspective is a mesmerizing experience. It reminds us that we are part of a vast universe. If you’re viewing the partial lunar eclipse, keep an eye out for Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, which will also be visible during this time. The next lunar eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse and will be visible in North America on March 25, 2024. Two weeks later on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur and be visible in North America. While this weekend’s partial lunar eclipse marks the final eclipse of 2023, there are still other celestial events to look forward to, such as the Orionid meteor shower, which can be observed until November 22. Additionally, there are five other meteor shower peaks remaining throughout the year: – Southern Taurids: November 5-6 – Northern Taurids: November 11-12 – Leonids: November 17-18 – Geminids: December 13-14 – Ursids: December 21-22 According to the Farmers’ Almanac, there are two full moons left in 2023: – November 27: Beaver moon – December 26: Cold moon
Unleash Your Inner Astronomer: Catch a Glimpse of the Moon with ‘a Bite Taken Out of It’ This Weekend on 4 Continents
