Saturday’s Lunar Eclipse Will Be Shortest Of The Century
More than one big event will be happening this weekend. Easter may be on Sunday, but on Saturday, millions of eyes will be on the sky — the moon, actually. For those who do not already know, there will be a total eclipse of the moon on Saturday night, starting around 3:16 a.m. PDT.
This will be the third total lunar eclipse in less than a year.
A couple of things make this event a bit special. The first is that the eclipse will be of a blood moon. The term “blood moon” has become an increasingly popular way to describe a set of four full total eclipses happening throughout 2014 and 2015. The moon, once covered completely in Earth’s shadow, takes on a red tinge. Some say it is a sign a change coming.
Saturday’s eclipse is the third in the series.
Who's getting excited for this week's #lunareclipse? Will anyone be watching for the first time?? #Science4Everyone #LookUp
— AdlerPlanet (@AdlerPlanet) April 1, 2015
Regardless of prophecies, the events are a beauty to behold. And this one will be a bit short. The second factor setting this eclipse apart is its length. According to Sky & Telescope, the event will only last nine to 12 minutes, making heavenly shadow play a rather brief performance. In fact, it will be the shortest eclipse this century.
However, not everyone will be able to witness the eclipse in its entirety. Sky Telescope put together a table that shows which timezone will be able to fully see the event.
Due to the moon setting and the sun rising, many, especially the East Coast of the U.S., will not be able to enjoy the eclipse.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr,, this lunar eclipse seems almost impossible. Due to the way the Earth, sun, and moon are lined up, we should not be able to witness a lunar eclipse as the sun rises. However, thanks to atmospheric refraction, some may be able to see both the moon and the sun above the horizon come Saturday morning.
NASA to Host Teleconference and Twitter Chat to Discuss Shortest Lunar Eclipse of the… http://t.co/esDvN3aMD2
— LiveVideo TV Media (@ontheairtv2) April 1, 2015
Be sure to set an alarm (or just stay up late) to see this eclipse. At least the total eclipse will not last long, and those who got up in the middle of the night can go back to bed.
Will you be able to see the total lunar eclipse to completion? Or will the sun interrupt your enjoyment of the celestial event?
[Photo Courtesy of Abid Katib/Getty Images]
