Partial lunar eclipse on November 19 will be tricky to see in PH, says Pagasa

Composite image of a lunar eclipse. AFP

MANILA, Philippines — A partial lunar eclipse will happen on Friday, November 19, but will be difficult to observe in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its astronomical diary, Pagasa said the moon will partially pass through the umbra of the Earth’s shadow on Friday, thus creating a partial lunar eclipse. It also said the eclipse will be visible in different parts of the world where the moon is above the horizon including Oceania, the Americas, Eastern Asia, Northern Europe, and Indonesia.

“In the Philippine setting, this eclipse will be difficult to observe because most of the major eclipse phases will occur below the horizon. The eclipse will begin at 2:03 PM and will end at 8:04 PM, however, the Moon is about to rise at around 5:22 P.M. This means that by the time the Moon reaches 19° above the horizon, the eclipse has already ended,” the agency said.

Pagasa said that, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch and do not require the use of any kind of protective filters for the eyes.

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