Yesterday’s Lunar Eclipse- A Glimpse into the Past as We Look to the Future
What time was the lunar eclipse yesterday? This question has intrigued many sky enthusiasts and astronomy lovers alike. The recent lunar eclipse, known as a Super Blood Wolf Moon, was a celestial event that captivated the world. Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating event and explore the timing of the lunar eclipse.
The lunar eclipse, which occurred on January 20, 2019, was a total lunar eclipse, making it a rare and spectacular sight for sky watchers. This particular eclipse was special because it was a Super Blood Wolf Moon, combining a total lunar eclipse with a supermoon and a wolf moon. The supermoon refers to a full moon that is closer to Earth than average, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. The wolf moon is the name given to the January full moon by Native American tribes, as it coincides with the time when wolves howl during the winter.
The timing of the lunar eclipse was as follows:
1. Penumbral Eclipse Begins: The penumbral eclipse began at 9:35 p.m. EST (6:35 p.m. PST) on January 20, 2019. During this phase, the Earth’s shadow started to gently cover the moon, causing a slight dimming of its surface.
2. Partial Eclipse Begins: The partial eclipse began at 10:41 p.m. EST (7:41 p.m. PST). During this phase, the Earth’s shadow began to take a noticeable bite out of the moon, creating a partial eclipse.
3. Total Eclipse Begins: The total eclipse began at 11:41 p.m. EST (8:41 p.m. PST). This is when the moon was completely covered by the Earth’s shadow, turning a deep red color. The red hue is caused by the scattering of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out the blue and green wavelengths, leaving behind the red light.
4. Total Eclipse Ends: The total eclipse ended at 12:43 a.m. EST (9:43 p.m. PST) on January 21, 2019.
5. Partial Eclipse Ends: The partial eclipse ended at 1:50 a.m. EST (10:50 p.m. PST) on January 21, 2019.
6. Penumbral Eclipse Ends: The penumbral eclipse ended at 2:50 a.m. EST (11:50 p.m. PST) on January 21, 2019.
This total lunar eclipse was visible from North America, parts of South America, Europe, and Asia. Unfortunately, it was not visible from Australia and parts of Africa. Sky watchers in the specified regions were treated to a breathtaking view of the Super Blood Wolf Moon as it turned a deep red color during the total eclipse phase.
In conclusion, the lunar eclipse yesterday began at 9:35 p.m. EST (6:35 p.m. PST) and concluded at 2:50 a.m. EST (11:50 p.m. PST) the following day. The event was a stunning reminder of the beauty and majesty of the cosmos, and it provided a unique opportunity for people to witness a rare celestial phenomenon.
