A partial lunar eclipse is expected to happen and cover much of the moon in the dark before dawn on Nov. 19th, Friday. While most countries will see 97% of the moon slipping into the earth’s shadow on November 19, North America will see the entire partial lunar eclipse on November 18 overnight.
“The best viewing will be right around the peak of the eclipse, on November 19th at 9:03 UTC/4:03 AM EST/1:03 AM PST. This part of the eclipse is visible in all of North America, as well as large parts of South America, Polynesia, eastern Australia, and northeastern Asia” – NASA
As per the official’s statement, this lunar eclipse is going to be exceptional, with a 0.9742 umbral eclipse magnitude. In simple terms, the dark umbral shadow of the earth will cover 97 percent of the moon leaving just a thin silver line of the moon exposed. The rest of the moon will appear covered in ruddy colors.
This is going to be the second lunar eclipse of 2021, seeing the moon close to the famous Pleiades – also known as the Seven Sisters. Hence, a great opportunity to take pictures.
The partial lunar eclipse will take place before the moon reaches the farthest point in the orbit, November 21 at 02:14, UTC. Thereby, it will be the longest lunar eclipse the earth has witnessed in 1000 years.
North America, Alaska, New Zealand, Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and Alaska will witness the absolute partial lunar eclipse. While viewers in New Zealand, Australia, and western Asia will miss the initial stages of the lunar eclipse as they happen before the moonrise. Likewise, Western Europe and South America will experience it just before the end.
Unfortunately, the lunar eclipse won’t appear in Africa, the Middle East, or Western Asia.
What is Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the earth covers the moon with its shadow and blocks the sunlight. Hence, the moon seems dark. There are three different kinds of lunar eclipse, partial, full, and penumbral. A full lunar eclipse is the most fascinating yet dramatic one, as it happens when the earth completely overshadows the moon.
