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What is a Partial Lunar Eclipse? When Will it Happen?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are not fully aligned, resulting in the Earth blocking only a portion of the sunlight falling on the Moon. The upcoming partial lunar eclipse, gracing the night skies on the 28th of October, 2023, will be a captivating celestial event for skywatchers.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

Are you curious about the fascinating lunar phenomenon? Read on to discover more about partial lunar eclipses and when you can witness this spectacular event.

For further reading:

1 What is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are almost perfectly aligned. As a result, the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, causing a portion of the Moon to appear darkened or “eclipsed.”

Partial lunar eclipses typically occur before or after a total lunar eclipse.

2 When does a Partial Lunar Eclipse Happen?

When does a partial lunar eclipse occur?

The next partial lunar eclipse will take place on October 28, 2023.

While specific viewing locations are yet to be determined, it is predicted that the eclipse will be visible in Vietnam, although only the latter part of the eclipse will be observable due to the late rise of the Moon.

3 How does a Partial Lunar Eclipse Affect the Earth?

What impact does a partial lunar eclipse have on the Earth?

Partial lunar eclipses can have certain effects on the Earth. One notable influence is on the tides, which may become higher and stronger during an eclipse. Additionally, according to ancient Japanese beliefs, lunar eclipses were used to predict tsunamis and earthquakes.

Recommended reading:

4 How to Observe a Partial Lunar Eclipse

How to view a partial lunar eclipse

Observing a partial lunar eclipse is possible with the naked eye, and no special equipment is required. According to Dang Vu Tuan Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Astronomy and Space Association, only the latter part of the eclipse will be visible in Vietnam, as the Moon rises late in the country.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Partial Lunar Eclipses

Common inquiries about partial lunar eclipses

How often does a partial lunar eclipse occur?

Partial lunar eclipses can happen once, twice, or thrice a year. They typically precede or follow a total lunar eclipse.

Does the Moon change color during a partial lunar eclipse?

Unlike a total lunar eclipse, where the Moon turns a reddish hue, the Moon remains its usual color during a partial lunar eclipse. Satellite images may show the Moon taking on a brownish-yellow tint.

6 Beautiful Images of Partial Lunar Eclipses

Washington Monument, USA

San Salvador, El Salvador

Gran Torre Tower in Santiago, Chile

Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest broadcasting tower

Related topic: What is a solar eclipse? When does it occur?

Frequently asked questions

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, the central region of the shadow where all direct sunlight is blocked.

During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon enters the Earth’s umbra and takes on a reddish hue, often referred to as a ‘blood moon’. In a partial eclipse, only a portion of the Moon is covered, so it appears as a ‘bite’ taken out of the Moon’s disc.

Partial lunar eclipses are more common than total lunar eclipses. They can occur twice a year or every two and a half years, depending on the Moon’s orbital position relative to the Earth and Sun.

The next partial lunar eclipse will take place on November 18/19, 2021, and will be visible from North and South America, Australia, and parts of Asia.

Yes, lunar eclipses are safe to observe directly without any special equipment, unlike solar eclipses. You can view the eclipse with the naked eye or use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look.