The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) notified that in the coming days a penumbral lunar eclipse will be observed, a very little-known astronomical phenomenon.
According to NASA, generally, Lunar eclipses occur in no particular order. A partial can be followed by a total, a penumbral, etc. Although sometimes the sequence is more orderly.
This American agency indicates that, on average, lunar eclipses occur approximately twice a year, but not all are total and are segmented into three types.
- A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the pale edges of Earth’s shadow. It is so subtle that sky watchers often don’t realize an eclipse is occurring.
- A partial eclipse is more dramatic. The Moon dips into the core of Earth’s shadow, but not completely, so only a fraction of the Moon is darkened.
- A total eclipse is when the entire Moon is in shadow, it is the best of all. The face of the Moon turns sunset red for up to an hour or more as the eclipse slowly develops.
On what date will the 2024 penumbral lunar eclipse be seen?
On Sunday, March 24 and Monday, March 25, a penumbral lunar eclipse will occur and can be seen from Guatemala.
“This type of eclipse is difficult to see because there is a faint change in the moon,” said Edgar Castro Bathen, director of the Earth Sciences and Astronomy Research Institute at the Galileo University of Guatemala (IICTA).
According to Bathen, the penumbral lunar eclipse will begin around midnight on Sunday, March 24, and will conclude during the early hours of Monday, the 25th.
“During this type of phenomenon, the moon loses luminosity and enters a faint shadow on the Earth called the penumbra,” added the director of the IICTA.
Umbra and Penumbra
According to Bathen, when the Earth is illuminated by the Sun it projects two shadows into space, one that forms a closed and dark cone, known as the umbra, and the other that resembles a more open cone with a very faint shadow called the penumbra.
During an eclipse like the one on March 24 and 25, The Moon penetrates the Earth’s penumbra and undergoes a very faint change in tone, difficult to perceive with the naked eye. However, in a total lunar eclipse, it enters the umbra and acquires a very impressive reddish color.
Key moments and best times to view the penumbral lunar eclipse
- The eclipse will begin at 10:53 p.m. (Guatemala time) on Sunday, March 24. (The moon goes into complete darkness from this hour onwards)
- Its peak will be at 1:12 a.m. on Monday, March 25. (Time when the moon is submerged and will be completely hidden.
- The eclipse will end at 3:32 a.m. on Monday, March 25. (The moon will be visible once more)
The director of the IICTA reported that observing this type of eclipse does not imply any danger, because at no time will you be looking towards the Sun.
Recommendations for viewing the 2024 penumbral lunar eclipse
According to Bathen, the penumbral lunar eclipse can be observed with binoculars, a telescope or with the naked eye, and the challenge is to try to notice the change in the color hue of the Moon. However, at first glance the change will not be noticeable and it is recommended to look at the photos captured by professionals.
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