The next lunar eclipse takes place on October 28, 2023. It will be partial but we can observe it in the evening from France, if certain weather conditions are met…
This Saturday, October 28, 2023 takes place a partial lunar eclipse, a pretty spectacle in the sky. If the weather conditions are right (clear sky, no clouds), we can observe it from France in the evening (from Paris for example but also elsewhere in France). From 8:01 p.m., we can see a “moderate darkening of the lunar light, first from the left side”, explains the specialized site Stelvision. Then, at 9:35 p.m., the Moon will have “progressively a small darker indentation which will perhaps be slightly coppery near its south pole”. Its maximum visibility time will be at 10:14 p.m. from France. Around 00:26, it will be considered finished.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadowthe latter then interposing between the Sun and the Moon, blocking all or part of the solar radiation which illuminates the Moon, indicates the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation (IMCCE) on its website.
► A lunar eclipse is total when the Moon completely crosses the Earth’s shadow.
► A lunar eclipse is partial when only part of the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow
► A lunar eclipse is penumbral (rare phenomenon) when the Moon only crosses the penumbra zone of the Earth.
Diagram of a lunar eclipse
In the diagram below, we see that the moon passes behind the Earth, in other words, “it eclipses” behind the Earth. We don’t see her anymore.
When will the next lunar eclipse take place?
The next lunar eclipse will take place on March 25, 2024 (penumbral lunar eclipse).
Is a lunar eclipse dangerous for the eyes?
The lunar eclipse is harmless and is not dangerous for the eyeseven when it is visible to the naked eye, unlike the solar eclipse which is dangerous for the eyes when viewed without protection, explains the French Astronomical Association (AFA) on its website. However, for greater comfort, it is possible to use binoculars or a telescope to look at it (when it is obviously visible).
Do you need special glasses to see a lunar eclipse?
No, not necessarily since the lunar eclipse is not dangerous for the eyes. We can therefore look at it with the naked eye, without fear of harmful consequences for life and without having to have special glasses.
Appearance: what does a lunar eclipse look like?
During a total lunar eclipse, light rays passing through the Earth’s atmosphere are deflected by atmospheric refraction and illuminate the Moon. This luminous flux, closer to the center of the Moon, manifests itself as a reddish coloring, which somewhat evokes the appearance of the sky during a sunset. The other regions of the Moon are rather gray. The appearance and colors vary between eclipses and depend on atmospheric weather conditions.
Image: where to watch the last total lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse of November 8, 2022 began in France at 11:16 a.m., peaked at 11:59 a.m. and ended at 12:41 p.m. In France, it was not visible. However, it is possible to view the images on YouTube. A live broadcast was produced from Hawaii by the media Time and Date. At its peak, the lunar eclipse was a red color (see photo below).
Source : The total lunar eclipse of November 8, 2022, IMCCE / Website of the French Astronomy Association (AFA)