AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Sunday, May 15, the Earth will cast its shadow on the moon. Depending on the weather you will be able to see this complete lunar eclipse.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. This means that the Earth blocks full sunlight, causing the Earth’s shadow to obscure the moon.
A total lunar eclipse means the whole moon is in darkness.
However, the moon is not completely invisible. While the Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light, red light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and refracts to the moon, causing a reddish glow. The more clouds or dust in the Earth’s atmosphere, the redder the moon will be.
When can I see this?
According to NASA, The moon will begin to enter the Earth’s penumbra shortly after the 20:30 CT on Sunday night. You will be able to see a slight lunar eclipse around 9:28 p.m. The full shadow of the Earth will cover the Moon in an hour.
The peak of the eclipse will occur at 23:11 CT. NASA says the Moon will begin to leave the Earth’s shadow at 11:54 p.m. and will fully emerge on Monday at 12:55 p.m.
Lunar eclipses can be observed without protective equipment. You get a much better view by looking through binoculars or, better yet, a telescope.
What if I miss?
The next total lunar eclipse, visible from the United States, will occur later this year, November 8, 2022.
The eclipse on May 15 – the second of the year, but the first visible from the US – a partial solar eclipse has already occurred on April 30. Another will take place on October 25, but the United States will not see it.
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