Fifty years to the day after the launch of Apollo 11, July 16, 1969, the Moon will offer Tuesday a partial eclipse to a large part of the Terrans. "The eclipse will be visible from Africa, a large part of Europe and Asia, from the eastern part of South America and the western part of Australia," says the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) London in a statement.
Tonight the UK and eastern hemisphere will be partial #LunarEclipse, on the same day as the # Apollo50 anniversary. If you have a clear sky, an unobstructed southeastern horizon, take a look after sunset. https://t.co/8ks4GzvkLTpic.twitter.com/D58T6iUY9v
- Royal Astronomical Society (@RoyalAstroSoc) July 16, 2019"60% of the moon covered by the shadow"
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned. Our natural satellite is then in the shadow of the Earth. Tuesday, the moon will never be totally in the shadow, the eclipse will be only partial. But "about 60% of the visible surface of the Moon will be covered by the shadow," says the SAR. Deprived of the rays of the Sun, the Moon darkens and takes on a brick tint because the Earth's atmosphere deflects the red rays of sunlight into the cone of its shadow.
No danger, but binoculars recommended
The partial eclipse will start at 22:01 Paris time and will be at its maximum at 23:30 Paris time. The show will end around 1 am and will be admired by the naked eye, without any danger, unlike solar eclipses. Binoculars, glasses and telescopes will allow you to enjoy even more, provided the weather is of the game. The classic cameras will make beautiful pictures but it will take a foot, recommends astronomers.
Meetings planned everywhere in France
In France, the French Association of Astronomy (AFA) organizes observations of the eclipse in some cities like Paris, Dijon or Caraman, near Toulouse. In the capital, this is happening at Belleville Park, in the 20th arrondissement. The complete list is available on the Association's website.