While eagerly anticipating the upcoming historic total solar eclipse next month, Americans will also have the opportunity to witness another fascinating celestial event involving the moon.
Late on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday morning, NASA predicts that there will be a simultaneous occurrence of a full moon and what is known as a “subtle” lunar eclipse.
There are three types of lunar eclipses: total lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse, and penumbral eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon moves into the inner part of the Earth’s shadow. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through part of the Earth’s shadow. Lastly, a penumbral eclipse happens when the moon travels through the faint outer part of the Earth’s shadow.
According to NASA, the penumbral lunar eclipse will result in a slight dimming of the moon’s brightness, although it may not be easily noticeable to the naked eye.
According to the federal space agency, it can be challenging to notice, but there might be a discernible difference if you observe before the eclipse and during its peak. They mentioned that during the peak, observers might occasionally perceive a subtle variation in brightness across the Moon’s surface.
The eclipse is set to begin at 1:00 a.m. ET on Monday (10 p.m. PT on Sunday) and will continue until 5:30 a.m. ET/2:30 a.m. PT on Monday. It will be visible in the Americas, weather permitting, as stated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.
The next lunar eclipse after the penumbral eclipse will be a partial one on Sept. 18, 2024. This eclipse will be visible in the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
According to NASA, nearly all faint lunar eclipses are typically accompanied by solar eclipses, usually occurring a few weeks prior or after the lunar event. This year, on April 8, a total solar eclipse will take place, sweeping across North America and passing through regions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Interestingly, this celestial phenomenon will coincide with the first full moon of March, known as the Worm Moon, happening on Monday morning.
For years, people have believed that the name Worm Moon is associated with the earthworms that emerge as the soil warms in spring. This phenomenon also attracts birds, who feast on these worms, serving as a clear indication of the arrival of the new season, as stated in The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name “June bugs” actually originates from Native American tribes. It is a term used to describe the beetle larvae that emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts.
During a full moon, the sun, Earth, and the moon align, resulting in the moon appearing fully illuminated from the vantage point of Earth.
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