Main image via Universe Today + TimeAndDate.com
Unfortunately, not many of us were able to catch the Eta Aquarids last month because the skies were sadly cloudy but we’re crossing our fingers for clear skies tonight because a lunar eclipse is set to happen!
via GIPHY
TimeAndDate.com reports that a penumbral lunar eclipse is set to happen on the night between 5th and 6th June, that’s tonight!
“A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are imperfectly aligned,” the site reads. “When this happens, the Earth blocks some of the Sun’s light from directly reaching the Moon’s surface and covers all or part of the Moon with the outer part of its shadow, also known as the penumbra.”
Image via TimeAndDate.com
For those of us in Asia, Australia, Europe, or Africa, we’ll be able to see the current Strawberry Moon turn a shade darker during the maximum phase of the penumbral lunar eclipse, though it may be a bit hard to distinguish from a normal Full Moon…
“During this penumbral lunar eclipse, the Earth’s main shadow does not cover the Moon,” the site adds. “As the Earth’s shadow (umbra) misses the Moon during a penumbral lunar eclipse, there are no other locations on Earth where the Moon appears partially or totally eclipsed during this event. A penumbral lunar eclipse can be a bit hard to see as the shadowed part is only a little bit fainter than the rest of the Moon.”
Image via Universe Today
The lunar eclipse will began at 1:46am tonight and reach its maximum point at 3:25am. By 5:04am, the lunar eclipse will have reached its end, so be sure to mark down these times!
Image via TimeAndDate.com
If you’re awake late tonight, it won’t hurt to pop your head out and check out the moon! If you’re lucky, the skies will be clear and you’ll be able to see the penumbral lunar eclipse tonight!
Till then, we’ll be crossing our fingers and toes for clear skies!
Share this with your friends and family so they can witness a lunar eclipse too!
Info via TimeAndDate.com