Science Writing (EFE).- The month of May begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse, in which our satellite will darken but without disappearing from sight. These are some of the keys to this phenomenon that will be seen today in Oceania, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe.
1.- What is a penumbral eclipse?
Lunar eclipses occur when there is a full moon and the Earth is between our satellite and the Sun. There are three types: total, partial and penumbral.
Today’s is of the latter type. The Moon crosses the Earth’s penumbra, that is, the outer part of its shadow -where it is clearer-, as NASA explains on its website, in which it also warns that the darkening of our satellite is so slight that it could be difficult to perceive it if it is not previously known that it exists.
2.- From where can the eclipse be seen?
This phenomenon can be perceived in Asia, Oceania and Africa, while in European countries, it will depend on whether the Moon has already risen over the horizon. The entire American continent will be outside the area of influence of the eclipse.
Spanish fans of looking at the sky will not be lucky this time, because “it will hardly be seen in Spain,” the Royal Astronomical Observatory of Madrid highlights on its Twitter.
The end of the eclipse may be visible in the Peninsula (except the northwest) and in the Balearic Islands, but “it will be difficult to appreciate it since the Moon will be rising over the horizon when it is over,” the National Astronomical Observatory details on its website.
3.- What time does it start and end?
This penumbral eclipse will last 4 hours and 15 minutes. It will begin to be seen over the Pacific Ocean at 15:15 GMT; It will reach its maximum at 3:22 p.m. GMT and will last until 7:20 p.m. GMT when it can be observed in its last phases (where the moon has already risen) in Africa and Europe.
4.- What is needed to observe it wherever possible?
As it is a lunar eclipse, no special instrument is needed for its observation. As it is penumbral, you will only be able to appreciate a decrease in the brightness of our satellite, so you have to be very attentive to small changes.
5.- Will we be able to see more lunar eclipses this year?
On October 28, a partial eclipse can be seen in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia (the Earth’s shadow grows and then recedes without completely covering the Moon).
The small eclipse will be visible throughout Spain and can be observed with the naked eye, indicates the National Astronomical Observatory on its website.