Sunday evening sky watchers will have a chance to watch a spectacular lunar eclipse. And the timing of this eclipse will allow us to enjoy the sky show without getting up in the middle of the night.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth. Lunar eclipses are safe to observe and nothing is required except for your eyes. If you have a pair of binoculars then make sure you try observing the eclipse with them. They will allow you to see the colors better and during total eclipse you may also be able to see some stars in the same field of view as the Moon.
Moon rise is at 8:12 p.m. Sunday and about an hour later the eclipse will begin. Look for the Moon to begin to enter the Earth’s shadow at 9:28 p.m. From 9:28 to 10:29 p.m. the Moon will slip deeper into the Earth’s shadow.
During this partial phase look at the shape of the edge of the Earth’s shadow, you may notice that it is curved. Also look for not only a ruddy red color but a pale blue may also be seen near the edge of the shadow.
Totality will last from 10:29 to 11:54 p.m. with mid-eclipse taking place at 11:11. Mid-eclipse is when the Moon will appear as a dark red or rusty brown color. Some often refer to this as the blood moon. You may also notice the sky is much darker and more stars are visible.
Then from 11:54 to 12:55 a.m., the Moon will slowly reclaim its glory as the brightest object in the night sky.
Lunar eclipses are fun to watch and photograph. The eclipse will take place while in the eastern sky. This will give photographers the chance to include objects in the foreground of images.
Plan ahead and you may be able to capture some spectacular images.
(Editor’s note: Mike Myer, Humboldt, often sends articles of interest for local stargazers.)
