Blogs

Watch Today's Lunar Eclipse

By Andrew Fazekas posted 05-05-2023 09:59

  

In a matter of a few hours today, Friday, May 5th, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse that will be visible across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific region.  AWB's National Coordinator for Italy, @Gianluca Masi  of Virtual Telescope Project will be livestreaming this sky event from Italy.  

If you do catch the eclipse, please share your experience, observations and photos with us by filing a Member Report or adding to our Discussion Board.  Not an AWB Member yet? Join our global community in over 140 countries by simply registering here - it's easy and free! 

What is this kind of eclipse?

A penumbral lunar eclipse is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes through the outer part of the Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra. During this event, the Moon appears slightly dimmer than usual, but it does not turn completely dark.

illustration credit: NASA

Unlike a total lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's inner shadow, known as the umbra, a penumbral lunar eclipse is a more subtle event and can be difficult to notice with the naked eye. However, it can be observed with binoculars or a telescope.

The entire event can last for several hours, and the amount of the Moon's surface that appears dimmed depends on how deeply it passes into the Earth's penumbral shadow.


How do you catch the event?

Our partners at timeanddate.com have some great background resources including eclipse visibility maps and specific timing for different locations. Check it out here.




Here is Virtual Telescope Project's live feed which starts @ 1845 UTC


#eclipse
#observing
#lunar

0 comments
15 views

Permalink