Lunar eclipse is one of the most spectacular significant and interesting astronomical events. On July 16, 2019, there will be a partial lunar eclipse in the sky visible from countries including South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. As per the information provided by NASA, this partial lunar eclipse will be clearly visible in India also provided the location of viewing enjoys a clear sky. Notably, the world saw a total lunar eclipse on January 21, 2019. The next total lunar eclipse will happen on May 26, 2021. The other lunar eclipses that the world will see penumbral in nature and not partial or total.
Facts about a partial lunar eclipse
Eclipses happen when the sun, moon and the earth come in a straight line. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the earth and the sun leaving a shadow. A lunar eclipse happens when the earth passes between the sun and the moon leaving a shadow on the moon.
A lunar eclipse happens only on a full moon day and a solar eclipse happens only on a new moon day. A total lunar eclipse can happen only when the sun, moon and earth come in a perfectly straight line. Hence this is a rare event in astronomy when compared to other kinds of eclipses. If the alignment of these three cosmic bodies is not that perfect, only a partial lunar eclipse will result. July 16, 2019 will see one such partial lunar eclipse only.
When a partial lunar eclipse occurs, the shadow of the earth will appear very dark on the side of the moon that is facing the earth. Only a part of the earth’s shadow will be cast on the moon during such a happening and so, the moon will not have a blood red color during a partial lunar eclipse.
Timings of the lunar eclipse on July 16, 2019
The NASA’s website says the total duration of the partial lunar eclipse on July 16, 2019, will be 2 hours 58 minutes. The eclipse will start at 01:31 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, in India. The maximum eclipse can be seen in India at about 3:00 am. Around this time, the moon will look the darkest. The end of the eclipse will be at about 4:29 am.
The maximum eclipse timing
Around 03:01 am on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, the earth’s shadow will cover about 65 percent of the moon’s diameter. Since only a part of the moon will pass through the shadow of the earth, this eclipse will be a partial one.
As per the scientists, lunar eclipses are very safe to watch. While severe damage to the eyes can happen when a solar eclipse is watched with a naked eye, none need to fear any health hazards while watching the lunar eclipse.
People living in the countries from where this lunar eclipse will be seen are gearing up to enjoy this spectacular scene. Come out of the doors and enjoy this astronomical event that has triggered human imaginations for centuries from now.
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