Filipino skywatchers can expect a treat early Saturday—a penumbral eclipse of the moon, which will be visible in other parts of the world.
“The eclipse begins when the Moon enters penumbra (lighter part of a shadow) at 12:52 a.m. and ends at 4:56 a.m. (Philippine standard time),” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its astronomical diary for September.
The state weather bureau described penumbra as a partially shaded outer region of a shadow that an object casts.
“A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the faint penumbral portion of the Earth’s shadow,” Pagasa said.
“The lunar surface is not completely shadowed by the Earth’s umbra (darkest part of a shadow). Instead, observers can see only the slightest dimming near the lunar limb closest to the umbra. The eclipse may be undetectable unless at least half of the Moon enters the penumbra,” it added.
The penumbral eclipse will also be observed in Australasia, Asia, Africa, Europe and eastern part of South America. RAM
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