Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

May 4, 2023

Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat on May 5, 2023, as a penumbral lunar eclipse is set to occur. It is the first of two lunar eclipses that are expected to occur that year.

What is a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse?

There are three types of lunar eclipses – total lunar eclipses, partial lunar eclipses, and penumbral lunar eclipses. A penumbral lunar eclipse happens when the moon moves through the outermost region of the Earth’s shadow known as the penumbra. During this event, the moon appears slightly darker than usual.

Significance of the Eclipse

Unlike total and partial lunar eclipses, the moon will not be concealed from view during the penumbral lunar eclipse. Rather, a subtle darkening of the moon can be expected during the phase of the eclipse. This eclipse is often mistaken for a regular full moon as it does not present dramatic views from Earth.

Magnitude of the Eclipse

The umbral magnitude of the lunar eclipse will be -0.046, indicating that the moon will be just missing the Earth’s inner shadow by a thin margin. According to astronomers, this upcoming lunar eclipse is said to be the deepest penumbral lunar eclipse to see until September 2042. The obscuration of the eclipse will be 0.0%, which means that not an iota of the moon will be concealed from view during the eclipse.

« Previous Post Next Post »