On October 29, 2023, Vietnam will have the opportunity to observe the last partial lunar eclipse of 2023. Below you will find detailed information about this expected astronomical event.
*Article refers to Seasky, Space.com and Time&Date
A lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are in a straight line. At this time, the Moon moves into the shadow areas of the Earth, away from the Sun, so we will see it obscured. Astronomers divide lunar eclipses into three types, equivalent to three dark zones on Earth.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon is completely in the Earth’s shadow. At that time, the Moon will turn orange-red due to the scattering of light, similar to the mechanism of sunset or sunrise.
The Moon turns red during totality due to the dispersion of light.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon moves between Earth’s umbra and penumbra. At that time, the Moon will be partially obscured, looking like a half-bitten cookie, which is why people also call a partial lunar eclipse by the interesting name “The Bear Eating the Moon.”
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon moves only through the Earth’s penumbra. At this time, the Moon’s surface only darkened slightly, without anything too obvious or unusual.
3 types of lunar eclipses, depending on the position of the Moon in the Earth’s shadow.
The lunar eclipse of October 29, 2023 is a partial lunar eclipse, when the Moon passes between umbra and penumbra. This lunar eclipse will be visible across Europe, Asia, Africa and Western Australia. This is also the last time in 2023 that we will observe the eclipse.
Travel with the October 23 lunar eclipse
Observation time
A lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere at night on Earth, if the sky is clear. In some places the entire eclipse will be visible, while in others the Moon will rise or set during the eclipse.
In Vietnam, the lunar eclipse begins at 01:01:48, ends at 05:26:25, the partial phase lasts about 1 hour and 17 minutes. Below is the detailed schedule for each phase in Hanoi:
- The penumbral lunar eclipse begins: 01:01:48 on October 29, 2023
- Partial lunar eclipse begins: 02:35:25 on October 29, 2023
- Lunar eclipse in peak phase: 03:14:05 on October 29, 2023
- End of partial lunar eclipse: 03:52:40 on October 29, 2023
- The penumbral lunar eclipse ends: 05:26:25 on October 29, 2023
Total Lunar Eclipse by Tomas Slovinsky.
Observation instructions
Due to this lunar eclipse, the degree of obscuration of the Moon is quite low, you will need observation aids such as binoculars or a telescope. Of course, you can absolutely observe with the naked eye.
Choose a place that is sufficiently dark and light to observe. Because this event takes place after midnight until dawn, you must be in good health to fully view the lunar eclipse in its entirety. A hot cup of coffee will help!
Process of a total lunar eclipse from the partial phase by Antonio Finazzi.
Good observation!
God Linh
Hanoi Astronomical Society (HAS)
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