The place and time of the longest partial lunar eclipse of the century 0:59
(CNN Spanish) -
This November 19 there is a partial lunar eclipse, which will have visibility in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
What is this phenomenon, what causes it and how often?
Here are the answers to those and other questions.
What is a lunar eclipse?
First thing's first.
The Moon orbits the Earth about once every 29 and a half days, explains astrophysicist and former NASA scientist Fred Espenak on his website.
Therefore, as it rotates around the planet, its position relative to the Sun causes it to change phase.
We generally hear of four lunar phases: new moon, first quarter, full and last quarter.
A lunar eclipse can only occur when the Moon is full.
And it occurs if the Moon is passing through a portion of the Earth's shadow.
Find out in which places and at what time the longest lunar eclipse of the century can be seen on November 19
Types of lunar eclipses
There are three types of lunar eclipses:
Penumbral eclipse (in which the Moon passes through the outer shadow of the Earth, which blocks part of the Sun's rays but not all)
Partial eclipse (in which a part of the Moon passes through the inner shadow or threshold of the Earth, where it blocks direct sunlight)
Total eclipse (in which the Earth blocks all light from the Sun and prevents it from reaching the Moon)
Can they be observed?
It depends.
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Penumbral eclipses are difficult to observe because they are too subtle, Espenak says.
However, partial eclipses can be seen with the naked eye.
The most impressive are the total eclipses, since the Moon looks red.
Unlike when it comes to a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses can be observed safely, without the need for protection.
How are they different from solar eclipses?
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We already know that the lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth and this blocks the arrival of solar rays.
The solar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, which is only possible in the new Moon phase.
How often do they occur?
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Eclipses repeat during the Saros cycle, a period that lasts approximately 18 years and 11 days, according to NASA.
Two to four times a year, the Moon passes through a part of the penumbral or threshold shadows of the Earth and that is how eclipses occur, according to Espenak.
When are the next ones?
When will the next partial lunar eclipse be seen?
0:39
On May 26, 2021 we had a total lunar eclipse, which could be seen in Asia and the Americas.
This November 19 there is a partial lunar eclipse, which will have visibility in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Next year there will also be two lunar eclipses, with one difference: both will be total.
One will be given on May 16 and the other on November 8.
Lunar eclipse