Notice to early risers… or night owls. Monday, May 16, a flamboyant astronomical phenomenon will occur during the night: a total lunar eclipse. The Earth satellite will then be adorned with its most beautiful orange robe. And good news, the event will be visible from mainland France.
The total eclipse will occur when the full Moon is exactly opposite the Sun to the Earth. Thus placed in the shadow of our planet, the satellite will darken little by little, until it becomes a blazing star. Simply illuminated by the rays of the Sun which caress the surface of the Earth and pierce the atmosphere.
If this alignment of the stars occurs twice a year, the phenomenon has not been visible in the French sky since 2019. This time, the eclipse will be perfectly visible from the American continent, and partially in Africa and Europe . With us, it will take place shortly before the moon sets, that is to say just before dawn.
And good news, this type of eclipse is perfectly observable with the naked eye. Not only does it not constitute a danger to the retina unlike solar eclipses, but in addition, the color variations are intense enough to be able to be admired without equipment. However, if you have binoculars or a telescope, do not hesitate to use them, this kind of event does not happen every four mornings.
Astronomy lovers, do not forget to advance your alarm clock Monday, May 16th.