Here’s hoping the weather holds out this evening, so we can enjoy this rather interesting lunar eclipse. ![]() The two moons in the image above are the same size, but we perceive the one on the horizon to be larger because we assume it’s further away. Yet our brains treat it as though the Moon’s distance does change, meaning when we see the (normal-sized) Moon near the horizon we assume it’s much further away, and counter-intuitively interpret it as being much bigger.Ī simple way to explain this trick is using the Ponzo illusion, where objects at a distance appear larger, even though the two Moons in the image below are actually the same size. EST (10:17 and 11:42 UTC), with the partial and penumbral phases of the eclipse continuing until 8:50 a.m. Areas with lighter shadings right (East) of the center will experience the eclipse until moonset/sunrise. Countdown until eclipse begins 109 Days 1 Hrs 47 Mins 51 Secs. Note: Areas with lighter shadings left (West) of the center will experience the eclipse after moonrise/sunset. When we see a bird flying, for example, it is closest to us when directly overhead, and gets further away as it flies towards the horizon.īut the Moon is much further away than a bird, so its distance from us doesn’t vary depending on its position in the sky (although its distance varies slightly month to month, that’s not relevant to this effect). As the penumbral phase of the eclipse begins, at 9:36 PM, viewers will see the Full Moon gradually dimming, entering the lighter outer portion of Earths shadow. In the past, this day was cloudy 62 of the time (since 2000). This illusion is a trick our minds play on us, most likely because we instinctively think the Moon is further away when it is on the horizon. We can watch the Moon emerge from Earth’s shadow and return to its full brightness. The Sun sets a few minutes after the Moon rises, so for the first half-hour or so the eclipsed Moon, low on the horizon, will be battling the bright twilight sky.Īs the Moon climbs higher and the sky darkens, we will have a lovely view of the final phase of the eclipse. In the opposite part of the sky, the Sun will be setting and Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will be visible. The Moon will be very low in the sky for much of the eclipse, meaning you’ll need an unobstructed view towards the east-northeastern horizon, perhaps with the aid of an elevated viewing position. ![]() The fact tonight’s event occurs at moonrise for viewers in Australia means this will be a different experience to what is typically seen when watching a lunar eclipse. Posted at 7:39 AM, and last updated 1:33 AM, A full lunar eclipse is happening overnight tonight and it's going to be quite the sight in the sky for nearly 90. Time lapse of the total lunar eclipse as viewed from Braidwood, New South Wales. Tonight’s eclipse won’t quite make it to totality, and instead will be a very deep partial eclipse. If the entire Moon travels through the shadow, it is a total lunar eclipse.
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