NASA rendering of the upcoming total lunar eclipse.
This weekend, a lunar eclipse will grab the attention of skywatchers around the world. A large part of the world’s population will be able to observe it, as well as a “blood moon”, which takes its name from the reddish color that our satellite acquires.
From the night of Sunday May 15 until the morning of the next day, the first “blood moon” of this year can be seen. The duration of the total phase will be 1h25 and that of the partial phase more than two hours, one of the longest periods of the decade.
A total lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a perfect line.
Where will the lunar eclipse be visible?
The greatest visibility and totality of the eclipse will be enjoyed in eastern North America, all of Central and South America, Europe and Africa will be able to observe the lunar eclipse, but visibility will vary.
Partial phases of the phenomenon will be visible in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, but people in Alaska, Asia and Australia will not have the chance to see the “red moon”.
What time can we see the eclipse?
As reported by JARthe start of the eclipse is estimated at 10:32 p.m. for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil, 9:32 p.m. for Bolivia and Paraguay or 8:32 p.m. for Mexico, Peru and Colombia.
The maximum point of the lunar eclipse is estimated at 1:11 a.m. in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, 12:11 a.m. in Bolivia and Paraguay, or 11:11 a.m. in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia.
The phenomenon will be visible from the night of May 15 until the early morning of May 16.
As for the duration, the surface of the Moon will remain completely covered for an approximate period of 1 hour, 24 minutes and 22 seconds.
What is a lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipses occur when The Earth stands between the Sun and the Moon. In this position, the blue planet deprives its natural satellite of starlight.
This eclipse will also be larger than usual, a phenomenon called super moon. This happens because during the eclipse the moon will be 362,126.5 kilometers from Earth.
Why is the Moon red during a lunar eclipse?
In this phenomenon, the Moon’s surface turns red because it only receives light that passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, that is, the shortest wavelengths (orange and red).
The portion of the Moon tinted red will depend on the type of lunar eclipse. As this opportunity will be a total lunar eclipse the entire satellite will be seen with this effect which is why they call it Moon of blood.
You may also be interested: The first atlas of the Moon, published in 1647.
The next total lunar eclipse will occur on November 8 this year and will be visible in the Americas, Oceania and Asia.
If you are unable to attend the eclipse, or weather conditions do not permit, NASA will broadcast it live. You can see it here.
References: National Geographic / Space / NASA.
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