A lunar eclipse will occur on October 18 as the full moon falls into the earth's shadow, according to Space.com. The eclipse will be visible to interested observers around the world.
In areas with clear skies, observers will be able to see the eclipse in Africa, Europe and western Asia. Observers in the eastern parts of North and South America will be able to see the southern portion of the moon passing into Earth's penumbra, or the planet's outer shadow.
The penumbral lunar eclipse will have subtle shading, with the moon partially in shadow for approximately four hours. The deepest eclipse will occur at 7:50 p.m. EDT, according to Space.com. It is at that point that the earth's outer shadow will cover 76.5 percent of the lunar disk.
"Although a penumbral lunar eclipse might go unnoticed by someone casually glancing at the moon, we will be able to observe the gradual shading of the moon in the live images Slooh will broadcast throughout the eclipse," Paul Cox, of the online Slooh Space Camera, said to Space.com. "The shading becomes far more apparent when viewed as a time-lapse, and we'll show viewers that during the live segment of the show."
A penumbral eclipse is not as easily seen or impressive as a total or partial eclipse, according to Space.com. A partial eclipse occurs when the inner shadow, or the umbral shadow, of the Earth partially blocks the moon. During a total eclipse, the Earth's umbra shadow completely casts the moon in a shadow.
The eclipse will be available to watch online. The Slooh Space Camera will be airing a live broadcast throughout the four-hour event, beginning at 2:45 p.m. Slooh's team of experts will be participating in the online show beginning at 7:30 p.m., when they will provide commentary during the eclipse's peak.
Video of the most recent penumbral eclipse, in November 2012.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
