France set for a lunar eclipse later this week
Second eclipse of month will bring spectacular colours to moon – but you will need to wake up early to see them
Budding astronomers are in for another treat this week as a partial lunar eclipse brings a stunning red hue to the moon.
A lunar eclipse happens when earth moves between the sun and the moon, so the moon is in earth's shadow.
The upcoming full moon is set to reach its peak on Thursday night / Friday morning (August 27 - 28).
Known as the sturgeon moon in the North American almanack (based on Native American traditions and the sturgeon-catching season in the great lakes), it is the first full moon since the solar eclipse seen on August 12.
However, the sturgeon moon this year will see a partial lunar eclipse as the earth blocks the sun’s light from reaching the moon.
As the moon passes further into the earth’s shadow, it takes on a copper, orange, and then eventually red colour.
At its peak, 93% of the moon’s diameter will be blocked by the earth’s shadow.
Early morning required
In addition, the lunar eclipse will be visible from all areas of France.
Unfortunately however, the peak of the episode will occur very late, limiting the number of people able to view the spectacle and how prominent the moon will be in the sky.
The moon will not begin crossing into earth’s shadow until around 03:20 in the morning, with the colouration effects not seen until around 04:34.
The peak of the event – when the majority of the moon is in the earth’s shadow and the red colour its deepest – will take place at around 06:13.
At this point however, the moon will be only around 8° above the horizon, and early morning sunshine may interfere.
Full sunrise from just after 07:00 will all but end the spectacle.
Current forecasts point towards a rainy – but cloudy – morning that may limit the influence of the morning sun.
Unlike the solar eclipse, you do not have to wear special protective glasses for your eyes - looking at the moon, not the sun does not risk damage to eyes.
