Are you ready for a celestial show this weekend? Sky-gazers across four continents are in for a treat as a partial lunar eclipse takes center stage. This dazzling astronomical event will let you witness Earth’s shadow gracefully falling upon the moon, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
When and Where to Witness the Partial Lunar Eclipse
The magic unfolds on Saturday, offering a lunar experience like no other. If you find yourself within the eclipse path spanning Europe, Africa, most of Asia, and western Australia, you’re in for a special treat. The moon will seem as if a bite has been taken out of it during the partial eclipse, occurring from 3:34 p.m. to 4:52 p.m. Eastern Time.
But there’s more! Before the partial eclipse begins, a penumbral eclipse sets the stage by slightly dimming the moon. This occurs from 2:01 p.m. ET and results from Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra. The main event is when Earth’s inner and darker shadow, the umbra, casts the partial eclipse. If you’re along the eastern coasts of North and South America, you can witness the tail end of the penumbral eclipse, just before it concludes at 6:26 p.m. ET.
What to Expect During the Eclipse
Although the moon won’t turn red, as it does during a total lunar eclipse, the partial eclipse provides an incredible sight without the need for any special equipment. Dr. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, reassures us that, “As long as you are on the night side of the Earth and you can see the moon, you can see this happening.” However, if you have access to observatories or telescopes, they can enhance your viewing experience by revealing more lunar details up close.
The Hunter’s Moon
This partial lunar eclipse coincides with October’s full moon, known as the hunter’s moon. This name originated from the moon’s historical role as a warning for hunters to prepare for the approaching winter months. Lunar eclipses only occur when the moon is entirely full, requiring perfect alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon. A total lunar eclipse is a more precise alignment, with the moon entering Earth’s shadow entirely, while a partial lunar eclipse entails the moon passing through only a portion of Earth’s shadow.
The Beauty of Celestial Alignments
Our moon and Earth’s orbits result in an average of two lunar eclipses each year. The last lunar eclipse was a penumbral eclipse in May, causing the moon to dim as it entered Earth’s outer shadow. The next lunar eclipse is expected in March 2024.
Lunar and solar eclipses often come in pairs, with solar eclipses occurring during the new moon phase. Just two weeks ago, an annular solar eclipse created a stunning “ring of fire” in the Americas.
A Reminder of Our Place in the Universe
“Most people don’t get to see the Earth from any other perspective than living on it, except for astronauts and very few people, so being able to see that shadow is, I think, always a really interesting thing,” Schmoll points out. This celestial event reminds us that we are a part of a vast universe.
Don’t forget to look out for Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus during the partial lunar eclipse if you’re on the night side of Earth.
Upcoming Astronomical Delights
While this weekend’s partial lunar eclipse marks the last eclipse of 2023, there are still more reasons to gaze at the night sky for the remainder of the year. Keep an eye out for the Orionid meteor shower, which continues until November 22, and five other meteor shower peaks:
- Southern Taurids: November 5-6
- Northern Taurids: November 11-12
- Leonids: November 17-18
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Upcoming Full Moons
Two full moons remain in 2023, offering additional opportunities for stargazing and celestial wonder:
- November 27: Beaver Moon
- December 26: Cold Moon
Experience the beauty of the cosmos and mark your calendars for these upcoming celestial events. The universe has plenty in store for those who look up and wonder.