A partial eclipse of the moon will be short-lived but spectacular early Saturday.
Mike Myer, Humboldt amateur astronomer, told the Register the eclipse would start at 5:17 a.m. and the moon would set at 6:02, just as the sun rises.
He also noted the moon’s position at the time of the eclipse, low in the sky, would make it a more prominent event.
The Earth’s atmosphere is thicker there, which will magnify the moon and make it appear larger.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. Myer said the eclipse would reach 54 percent before the moon goes below the horizon.
“A partially eclipsed moon hanging near the horizon will be a tempting target for photographers and I think even the casual skywatcher will enjoy the views offered by Saturday morning’s partial eclipse,” Myer said.