Lunar eclipse of May 2023: when is it and from where can it be observed?

This weekend, those who love skygazing will be able to enjoy a great astronomical event: A penumbral eclipse of the moon, marking the arrival of the first of two lunar eclipses that will take place in 2023.

According to information from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, such that the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth. In other words, the phenomenon occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, leaving the Moon outside its shadow.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: What time is it?

According to Space.com, the astronomical event will begin at 11:15 a.m. ET and will peak at 1:24 p.m. ET, ending at 3:32 p.m. ET; when the Moon emerges from Earth’s shadow.

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Lunar eclipse of May 2023: where can it be observed?

It is worth mentioning that the eclipse will only be visible in places where the Moon is above the horizon, such as Antarctica, Asia, Russia and Oceania; which means that the phenomenon will not be visible in the United States, nor in any other part of North America, nor will it be visible in South America.

The last time a penumbral lunar eclipse was seen from the United States was on November 30, 2020. Experts on the subject say that the next time an eclipse of this type may be visible in the United States is in March 2024.

Fortunately, technology will allow us to appreciate the phenomenon from various platforms. NASA will have a streaming signal through its official YouTube channel.