From 8:32 p.m. (Colombian time) this Sunday, one of the most anticipated astronomical events of 2022 began to be seen in different parts of the world: the total lunar eclipse. The Earth will pass between the Sun and the Moon, blocking out sunlight and casting a shadow on the lunar surface.
“The only light that reaches the surface of the Moon is from the extremes of the Earth’s atmosphere. Air molecules in the atmosphere spread out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects off the Moon’s surface and takes on a reddish color that makes the Moon appear to “bleed” into the night sky.”, explained the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) about this event.
The name “red or blood moon” is also used to describe the Moon when it is seen in this color by particles of dust, smoke or fog in the sky, and it is one of the full moons that is seen in autumn when the leaves of the trees also turn red.
According to NASA, the eastern half of the United States and all of South America have the opportunity to see each stage of the lunar eclipse. Totality will be visible over much of Africa, Western Europe, Central and South America, and most of North America. Those who live in Asia will miss out on this spectacle, because visibility is out of the question in this part of the world.
Those who want to see the lunar eclipse can go outside and enjoy it until 1:50 a.m. this Monday (Colombia time). No special equipment is necessary to view a lunar eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red color.
In addition, through their accounts on the YouTube and Facebook social networks and on their website, NASA will start broadcasting this astronomical scene from 10:00 p.m. for those who prefer to see it from the comfort of their homes.
What can be seen in the lunar eclipse?
8:32 pm (Colombia time): The Moon enters the penumbra of the Earth, the outer part of the shadow. The Moon begins to darken, but the effect is quite subtle.
9:27 pm (Colombia time): The Moon begins to enter the Earth’s umbra and the partial eclipse begins. To the naked eye, as the Moon moves into the umbra, it looks like they’re taking a bite out of the lunar disk. The part of the Moon within the umbra will appear very dark.
10:29 pm (Colombia time): The entire Moon is now in the Earth’s umbra. The Moon will turn a coppery red. Try binoculars or a telescope for a better view. If you want to take a photo, use a camera on a tripod with exposures of at least several seconds.
11:53 pm (Colombia time): As the Moon leaves the Earth’s umbra, the red color fades. It will appear as if they are taking a bite out of the opposite side of the lunar disk as before.
12:55 am, May 16 (Colombia time): The entire Moon is in Earth’s penumbra, but again, the dimming is subtle.
1:50 am (Colombia time): The total lunar eclipse will end.