stardome_nz We're less than one week away from a total lunar eclipse that will grace our early morning skies!
Next Monday, 8 September, a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a Blood Moon, will occur in the early morning hours.
The Moon will pass through Earth's umbra, or shadow, and will gradually dim and take on a deep red hue as it begins to set in the west before sunrise. Lunar eclipses do not require any special equipment - all you need is clear skies and your eyes!
Here's what to expect and a breakdown of the timings:
3:30am - Penumbral Eclipse begins:
The Moon begins to enter into Earth's penumbra, or outer shadow. The Moon will start to dim over the next hour, though not much change is visibly noticeable during this time.
4:30am - Partial Eclipse begins:
The Moon will now be within Earth's partial shadow and will be visibly less bright, and will begin to enter Earth's umbra, or inner shadow, and slowly turn red over the next hour.
5:30am - Total Eclipse begins:
The Moon will now be completely shadowed by Earth and will appear visibly red in the sky.
6:11am - Maximum Eclipse:
This is when the Moon will be closest to the centre of Earth's shadow and is the best time to witness the eclipse. The Moon will be setting and less than 5ยฐ above the horizon, so ensure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon.
The Moon will set at 6:30am and the eclipse will no longer be visible.
All you need to view this celestial event is a clear sky, so be sure to check the local forecast for your area, head somewhere that gives you a great view of the western horizon, and wrap up warm!
#astronomy #tฤtaiarorangi #stardome_nz
Total #LunaEclipse is tomorrow morning here in NZ.
This video by Raphael of Photopills is brilliant.
c/- @stardome-nz.bsky.social here's the relevant times for
3:30am Penumbral Eclipse begins
4:30am Partial Eclipse begins
5:30am Total Eclipse begins
6:11am Max Eclipse
youtu.be/BEWFpe9A1dw?...