What you need to know about the Lunar Eclipse event

On May 26, we will have the opportunity to observe two astronomical phenomena, the lunar eclipse and the supermoon at the same time. If you love the skies and want the most complete sighting, follow the necessary information below.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. In other words, if the Moon enters the shadow of the Earth, then there will be a lunar eclipse, which is divided into 3 types: total, partial and semi-dark. The most impressive of these is a total lunar eclipse, when Earth’s shadow completely obscures the Moon.

This eclipse will be a total lunar eclipse which will take place on May 26, 2021. The central Pacific Ocean, with most of Australia, New Zealand and the edge of Oceania being able to observe the entire unfolding of the event. The lunar eclipse will peak at 7:19 a.m. Eastern Time Zone (6:19 p.m. Vietnam Time). The most recent lunar eclipse was a penumbral lunar eclipse on November 29-30, 2020, which can be seen from North America to South America, the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas. The next lunar eclipse will take place on November 19, 2021 and will be visible over North and South America, Australia and parts of Europe and Asia.

Throughout history, lunar eclipses have caused wonder, even fear, especially when a total lunar eclipse occurs and the Moon turns blood red, leaving people unaware of the cause of the eclipse terrified. and so they blamed the gods.

Classification of lunar eclipses

• total lunar eclipse: The dark (umbral) part of the Earth covers the Moon. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered and refracted, or bent and focused on the Moon’s surface, causing it to emit dim light even in the full phase. If you stood on the Moon and looked up at the Sun, you would see the Earth completely obscuring the Sun, but you would also see a bright ring of reflected light around the Earth’s outline – that is. light converges on the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

• Partial lunar eclipse: Some lunar eclipses are only partial. But even a total lunar eclipse goes through two partial phases before and after total. During the partial phase, the Sun, Earth and Moon are not completely aligned and the Earth’s shadow makes it look like the Moon has “bitten” part of it. This is also the reason for the appearance of the name “The bear eats the moon”.

Source: Unsplash

• Midnight Lunar Eclipse: This is the least interesting type of lunar eclipse, since the moon is in Earth’s shadow. You probably won’t notice a difference unless you’re a seasoned skywatcher, because the Moon is then covered only by Earth’s shadow.

The beauty of the total lunar eclipse

The moon can turn red or brownish-red during a total lunar eclipse. The Red Moon can be seen because while the Moon is in total darkness, some light from the Sun passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and is bent towards the Moon. While other colors in the spectrum are blocked and scattered by Earth’s atmosphere, red light tends to penetrate more easily.

Source: Samer Daboul
Source: Jonathan Borba
Source: Unsplash
Source: Unsplash

Instructions for observing the lunar eclipse of May 26, 2021 in Hanoi

A lunar eclipse is one of the easiest phenomena to observe. Just step out, look up and enjoy. You don’t need a telescope or any other special equipment. However, binoculars or a small telescope will bring out the details of the Moon’s surface – observing the moon is always a pleasant experience during a lunar eclipse. If a lunar eclipse occurs in winter, dress warmly if you plan to go out during this time – a lunar eclipse can take several hours. Bring a hot drink with a blanket or chair to make you more comfortable.

Here are the details of the total duration of the lunar eclipse in Hanoi. During the 14-minute total lunar eclipse, the Moon may appear red, also known as the “Blood Moon”. This eclipse takes place just a few hours after the Moon has reached its closest point to Earth (perigee), which is why it is also called a Super Moon. Moon of blood.

In Vietnam, not all regions can observe the total lunar eclipse, including the capital Hanoi. However, even in areas where the full phase can be observed, this is quite difficult because the full phase occurs when the Moon has just risen, still very low on the horizon.

You can observe the partial phase after 7:00 p.m. in the East, when the Moon has risen above the horizon with the constellation Scorpius. Choose an airy and light-polluted place and enjoy this wonderful event.

*Because then the Moon is below the horizon.

See more astronomical calendar 2021 here: https://deepsky2000.net/lich-cac-su-kien-thien-van-nam-2021/

HAS translation team: Le Hue, Ngoc Tram

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