It has barely been a week since we witnessed our first annular solar eclipse of the year on June 21, and we are already gearing up to witness a lunar eclipse on July 5. Here is everything you need to know about the spectacular celestial event. By Amitha Ameen
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While we have been staying indoors during the lockdown, we have been able to witness one too many celestial events in the past two months. With a lunar eclipse that took place on June 5 followed by an annular solar eclipse on June 21, now we are all set to witness the third eclipse (lunar eclipse) on July 5.
How Does It Occur?
Basically, the sun, moon, and the Earth align in a line with the earth positioned in between the two, thereby blocking the sun’s light to directly reach the moon. There are three kinds of lunar eclipses – Total, Partial, and Penumbral. Usually, an eclipse is never alone, as a solar eclipse usually occurs before or after a lunar eclipse. And sometimes, three eclipses are witnessed together, as we will see that in the upcoming celestial event on July 5. While the first two eclipses were penumbral and annular eclipses, respectively, the third one is going to be a penumbral eclipse as well.
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What Is A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse?
This event occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are not entirely aligned. Instead, the earth will only partially block the sun’s light from falling on the moon. This will cause only a faint shadow of the earth – penumbra – to fall on the moon.
Where To Watch It?
The penumbral lunar eclipse will begin at 08:37 am (IST) on July 5. The peak can be witnessed at 09:59 am (IST) and end at 11:22 am (IST) on the same date. The whole event is said to last for about two hours, 43 mins and 24 secs. The penumbral eclipse will we visible from the Indian, Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, North and South America, Africa, parts of Europe, and Antarctica.
Related: You Don’t Want To Miss These Celestial Events In 2020!
