Subtle penumbral lunar eclipse visible Friday evening
Viewing conditions will be "good," according to this AccuWeather.com map.
Skywatchers are in for two celestial treats this evening, and you won’t have to burn the midnight oil to watch.
As the full “Hunter’s Moon” rises, a portion will be darkened by the outer portion of the Earth’s shadow, resulting in what scientists call a penumbral eclipse.
And it’s a different visual experience than total and partial eclipses, according to an EarthSky.org report.
“A penumbral eclipse is very subtle. At no time does a dark bite appear to be taken out of the moon. Instead, at mid-eclipse, observant people will notice a shading on the moon’s face. They might say the moon looks strange. Others will notice nothing at all,” the report states.
The peak of the eclipse is at 7:50 p.m. EDT, meaning that it will be occurring a bit before and after that time. Unlike a solar eclipse, you won’t damage your eyes by looking at the moon. (Click here for information on how to watch the event.)
So do some neck exercises, move your shoulders, and get ready to look up.
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