A lunar eclipse is a few hours away from happening on Earth and thus delighting millions of people. On this occasion the phenomenon will reach its totality, so we will see the natural satellite become a ‘blood moon’.
Without a doubt, it will be one of the most anticipated astronomical events of November 2022. Here is everything you need to know so you don’t miss the last eclipse of the year.
Where will the lunar eclipse be seen?
According to NASA, this astronomical event will be visible from America, the Pacific Islands, Oceania, and East and Central Asia.
In the case of America, the magnitude of the eclipse and its duration will vary in each country. Canada, the United States and Mexico will enjoy the longer period of visibility.
Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, western Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru will also see the total lunar eclipse or blood moon, but this will last less time because it will happen near dawn.
Meanwhile, Chile, western Argentina, northern Paraguay and eastern Venezuela will witness a partial lunar eclipse. That is, they will only look at a part of the Moon under the shadow of the Earth.
Finally, the easternmost part of South America —which includes Uruguay, the coast of Argentina and much of Brazil— will only be able to appreciate the phase in which the Moon is covered by the Earth’s penumbra, which generates a barely perceptible darkening.
When and at what time will the lunar eclipse be seen?
This lunar eclipse will occur on tuesday november 8. The time will depend on the location.
These are the hours by country:
- Peru: starts at 4.09 am and reaches full phase at 5.16 am
- Mexico: starts at 3.09 am and reaches full phase at 4.16 am
- USA (Washington): starts 4.09 am and reaches full phase at 5.16 am
- Colombia: starts 4.09 am and reaches full phase at 5.16 am
- Chili: starts at 6.09 am and reaches its maximum shadow at 6.31 am
- Argentina: starts at 6.09 am and reaches its maximum shadow at 6.31 am
- Venezuela: starts at 5.09 am and reaches the total phase at 6.16 am
Total lunar eclipse of November 2022: how to see it?
“You don’t need special eye protection to view a lunar eclipse, unlike solar eclipses (which occur during the day). Although the lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience.
On the other hand, if this astronomical event will not be noticed in the place where you live or if the weather conditions are not favourable, you can access one of the live broadcasts scheduled for that date, such as the one on Lowell Observatorylocated in Arizona, United States.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, the Earth and the Moon, in that order, align. When the alignment is complete, the entire visible side of the natural satellite falls under the shadow of our planet, so it only receives sunlight filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The filtered light that illuminates the Moon has a reddish color, which is why this phenomenon is also known as a ‘blood moon’.
How many types of lunar eclipse are there?
According to NASA, there are three types. These are differentiated by the area of the satellite’s surface that enters the Earth’s shadow.
- Total lunar eclipse: The Moon is located in the umbra of our planet (darkest shadow), so it becomes a blood moon.
- Partial lunar eclipse: Only a part of the Moon passes through the Earth’s umbra. This is because the alignment between the planet, its satellite, and the Sun is not perfect.
- penumbral eclipse: The satellite travels through Earth’s penumbra (the faintest part of the shadow). Its darkening is so slight that it is barely distinguishable.
Source-larepublica.pe