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Skywatchers are in for a striking celestial spectacle as a partial lunar eclipse is set to take place from August 27 to 28, with nearly 96% of the Moon’s surface entering Earth’s shadow.
Although the eclipse will not be total, most of the lunar disc will be covered by the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, giving the Moon a distinctive reddish-orange glow resembling a “blood moon.”
According to astronomy magazine Sky at Night, the eclipse will reach its maximum at around 10:13am Bangladesh time on August 28. At that point, Earth’s shadow will cover almost the entire visible disc of the Moon.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface.
During the event, Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight more strongly, while longer red and orange wavelengths pass through the atmosphere and reach the Moon. This gives the eclipsed Moon its characteristic reddish or coppery appearance.
The eclipse will be best visible from North and South America. Parts of the eclipse may also be seen from Europe, Africa and some areas of the Middle East as the Moon approaches the western horizon.
However, skywatchers in Bangladesh are unlikely to get a clear view of the eclipse, as its peak will occur during daylight hours and the Moon will not be favourably positioned for observation from the country.