Dubai Lunar Eclipse: What Time Will It Happen Tonight?
Bazaar Arabia shares everything we know about this special astrological moment which will take place after sundown tonight
Aspiring astrophysicists and astrologers will want to look up at the night sky tonight, as the region prepares to witness its first eclipse of the year.
A penumbral lunar eclipse will occur in the hours of early evening tonight, before midnight — and Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know here.
What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbral shadow, which is the outer part of the Earth’s shadow where only a portion of the sunlight is blocked.
During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon does not pass through the Earth’s dark inner shadow, known as the umbra, so it doesn’t appear completely darkened. Instead, the Moon appears to be slightly dimmer and may take on a faint reddish or brownish hue as it passes through the Earth’s penumbra.
Penumbral lunar eclipses are not as dramatic as total lunar eclipses, but they can still be interesting to observe. During a penumbral lunar eclipse, you may notice a subtle darkening of the Moon’s surface, especially near the edge where it passes through the penumbra.
What happens during a penumbral lunar eclipse?
The Moon will appear slightly dimmer than usual. The degree of dimming depends on the position of the Moon in relation to the Earth’s shadow, and may be more or less noticeable.
Unlike a total lunar eclipse, during which the Moon can appear red or orange due to the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere, the Moon during a penumbral lunar eclipse usually appears to have a faint reddish or brownish tint. This is because some of the sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere is scattered and refracted toward the Moon, giving it this subtle coloration.
The effects of a penumbral lunar eclipse can be subtle and may be difficult to detect for those who are not familiar with lunar eclipses. However, if you observe the Moon during a penumbral lunar eclipse, you may notice that it appears slightly dimmer and may have a subtle reddish or brownish tint. It is best to view the eclipse from a dark location with a clear view of the Moon, away from any sources of light pollution.
Is it safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye?
Yes, it is safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, which can be harmful to the eyes if viewed directly, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to observe without any special equipment.
During a lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, which causes it to darken and take on a reddish or brownish hue; this does not involve any harmful radiation or other hazards that would require eye protection.
However, it is important to note that the Moon may be fainter and harder to see during a lunar eclipse, especially if the eclipse is a partial or penumbral one. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to observe the eclipse from a location with minimal light pollution and clear weather conditions. Binoculars or a telescope can also be used to enhance the view of the Moon during a lunar eclipse, but they are not necessary.
What time will the Dubai Lunar Eclipse happen tonight?
According to Arabian Business the Dubai Lunar Eclipse will begin tonight on Friday, May 5 shortly after sundown (which is 18:51 GST today), at around 19:15 GST, with expected “peak” times between 21:24 GST and 23:32 GST.
It is the first lunar eclipse of the year.
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash