A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe this week, with the supermoon appearing slightly dimmer as Earth casts a shadow on it.
The spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America and South America Tuesday night and in Africa and Europe Wednesday morning.A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow that darkens a sliver of the moon and appears to take a bite out of it.Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
Since the moon will inch closer to Earth than usual, it'll appear a bit larger in the sky. The supermoon is one of three remaining this year. “A little bit of the sun’s light is being blocked so the moon will be slightly dimmer,” said Valerie Rapson, an astronomer at the State University of New York at Oneonta.
The Earth, moon and sun line up to produce a solar or lunar eclipse anywhere from four to seven times a year, according to NASA. This lunar eclipse is the second and final of the year after a slight darkening in March.No special eye protection is needed to view a lunar eclipse. Viewers can stare at the moon with the naked eye or opt for binoculars and telescopes to get a closer look.
To spot the moon’s subtle shrinkage over time, hang outside for a few hours or take multiple peeks over the course of the evening, said KaChun Yu, curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.For a more striking lunar sight, skywatchers can set their calendars for March 13. The moon will be totally eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow and will be painted red by stray bits of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.
Lunar Eclipse Supermoon Astronomy Space Events Night Sky
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »
Catch a partial lunar eclipse during September's supermoonThe spectacle will be visible in clear skies across North America Tuesday night
Read more »