Penumbral lunar eclipse: Visible in SA on Friday 5 May

A penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from South Africa on Friday, 5 May 2023, according to Angelo Ricardo G Hoorn of the Severe Weather and Information Centre SA.

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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE ECLIPSE?

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow. This will be 3 hours and 40 minutes long.

The start (17:14) will not be visible from South Africa, as the Moon will only rise over South Africa at 17:25.

The maximum penumbral eclipse will be at 19:22 and will end at 21:31.

The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from South Africa. Image: timeanddate.com

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NOT TYPICALLY NOTICEABLE

This event takes place when the Moon passes through the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow, the penumbra. This type of eclipse is not as dramatic as other types of lunar eclipses and is often mistaken for a regular Full Moon.

Every lunar eclipse begins and ends with a penumbral stage. This is where the Moon passes through the light, outer part of Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra.

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During this, the Moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, but not its umbra. The penumbra is a much lighter shadow than the umbra, so the Moon only gets slightly dimmer during a penumbral eclipse. In fact, it can be difficult to see a penumbral eclipse with the naked eye.

The best time to try and catch it is when the Moon is at the center of the penumbra. At this time, one edge of the Moon may appear slightly darker than the other.

This article was originally published by Michelle Swart.