Penumbral lunar eclipse: find out how to observe the event this Monday (25)

In 2024, astronomy enthusiasts will be able to observe two lunar eclipses. The first of the year will take place this March, and the last is scheduled for September; only the first will be visible in Brazil. But this is not an ordinary event because In the night sky, the Moon will be seen traveling in the partial shadow of the Earth, hence the name penumbra lunar eclipse.

Lunar eclipses usually occur twice a year. This event occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, creating a landscape in the sky where the natural satellite appears to be obscured by a large space object. However, it is only the Earth’s shadow that hides the Moon.

In the event of the next penumbral lunar eclipse scheduled to occur on March 25 (Monday) 2024, Perhaps the observation will not be as intense as in other eclipses.

The penumbra eclipse, which will begin after the full moon rises, will be visible at night depending on weather conditions. but the maximum strength of the phenomenon and the best time to watch it will be at 4:12 am (Brasília time)..

“Lunar eclipses occur during the full moon phase. When the Earth is positioned exactly between the Moon and the Sun, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon’s surface, darkening it and sometimes within a few hours, the Moon’s surface turns a striking red. Every lunar eclipse is visible from half the Earth. If you don’t know it’s happening [o eclipse lunar penumbral], you may lose it. The Moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow. The moon is dimming so slightly that it may be difficult to notice,” NASA explains in an official release.

How to observe a penumbra lunar eclipse

The event, which will take place in the early morning hours of March 25, will be visible almost everywhere in the world; Residents of North America, South America, Australia, East Asia, Africa and some parts of Europe will be able to watch the nightly show.

The start will start at 01:53 in the morning and reach the peak at 04:12, the event will end in the early morning at 06:32.

Tips for viewing the penumbra lunar eclipse:

• Find a place with good weather conditions and little artificial lighting;
• The phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye, but telescopes or binoculars can assist in observation;
• If you want to know the Moon’s position in the sky in advance, use the Sky Tonight app.

If weather conditions are good, those wishing to watch the phenomenon should begin observing shortly before its maximum peak. Even so, this will not be an easy observation: At this time the Moon will appear slightly darker than usual, but it will not be partially or completely obscured by the Earth’s shadow. For this reason, not everyone will be able to distinguish a penumbra eclipse from an ordinary full moon.

Did you like the content? Stay up to date with more curiosities about lunar eclipses at TecMundo. If you wish, take the opportunity to understand why we can see the Moon during the day.