Tonight a partial lunar eclipse will be available in Yakima around 9:00 PM. Here is the science behind and how to watch this magnificent event!
What Is A Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves directly between the sun and moon. The sun casts a large shadow over earth which dims or darkens the moon when it moves into the shadow.
Although the moon passes the earth every month, it is tilted at a 5 degree angle compared to earth's path; meaning that the moon passes just above or below the earth's alignment. However, 1-2 times a year the alignment is exact, giving us a lunar eclipse.
Earth's shadow has two distinct areas called the Umbra and Penumbra. The umbra is the inner part of the shadow where sunlight is completely blocked while the penumbra is the outer region of the shadow where sunlight is only partially blocked.
Total lunar eclipses occur when the entire moon passes through the umbra while partial lunar eclipses occur while only part of the moon passes through the umbra. Penumbral lunar eclipses are when the moon passes through the penumbra, which only makes it a bit dimmer.
Total Lunar Eclipse:
Interestingly, during total and partial lunar eclipses; the moon doesn't appear completely dark but the parts covered by the shadow appear red as blood. This is due to sunlight bending around earth's edges. The atmosphere scatters blue light leading to our blue skies, but red light gets around causing the moon's distinct color during such eclipses.
Yakima's Eclipse Tonight
You will be able to see a partial lunar eclipse in Yakima tonight due to clear skies! At 7:51, the moon will enter earth's outer shadow and will peak at 9:12 PM before dissipating by 12:01 AM. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view without eye protection!
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Get outside and enjoy it Yakima! Temperatures are supposed to be in the low 70s during the eclipse's peak! Perfect summer evening weather.
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