Lunar Eclipse in the UAE residents missed the recent ‘ring of fire’ annular solar eclipse that wowed the other side of the globe. However, another breathtaking celestial spectacle — a lunar eclipse — will darken the night sky, and it will be visible in the UAE.
Collective Experience: Lunar vs. Solar Eclipses
On Saturday, October 28, make sure you look up as the Earth’s shadow dims the lunar surface when it passes between the Sun and Moon. Lunar eclipses differ from solar eclipses in that they are visible from a broader geographic area, offering a collective experience for sky gazers, as noted by the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).
Optimal Viewing Spots: Lunar Eclipse
The spectacle can be viewed from anywhere in the UAE. The best way to catch it is “from any open area that has a clear view of the path of Moon,” Sheeraz Ahmad Awan, general manager at DAG, told Khaleej Times.
Equipment and Timings: Lunar Eclipse
You don’t need special equipment to watch the event, but a telescope will help get a better view. It’s safe to look at a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, which is not the case when it comes to its solar counterpart.
Eclipse Timings and Educational Value
According to Awan, the duration of the partial eclipse is 1 hour and 17 minutes, while the overall one lasts 4 hours and 25 minutes. Awan broke down the timings of the different phases of the eclipse:
- Penumbral eclipse starts at 10.01pm
- Partial eclipse starts at 11.35pm
- Maximum eclipse at 12.14am (Sun, October 29 after midnight)
- Partial eclipse ends at 12.52am
- Penumbral eclipse ends at 2.26am
These celestial events aren’t just about watching the sky; they are about enhancing our understanding of the universe, strengthening international cooperation in science, and inspiring the next generation of astronomers, the DAG added.
Year of Eclipses
According to Space, this is the second lunar eclipse of the year after a penumbral one on May 5.
A Solar Spectacle
On Friday, October 14, some parts of the globe saw the Moon align perfectly with the Sun that left a golden ring of sunlight visible around the Moon’s silhouette. This marked the solar eclipse in the United States until 2046.
The DAG’s Role
The DAG sent a team led by Khadijah Ahmad to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that live-streamed the event to the UAE audience. It also captured some incredible images of the eclipse.
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