For those who do not know a penumbral lunar eclipse is something that happens when the moon itself moves through our planet’s outer shadow. It does not pass through the inner shadow and as a result, leaves us seeing only part of the moon in a darkened state. It is much like what you’d expect from a solar eclipse but with the moon at night versus the sun during the day.
That having been said, since it’s not passing through both, it won’t be a ‘total lunar eclipse.’ It is especially fun to watch as you don’t need any kind of special equipment to view it. You can see it with your naked eyes if you’re in the right places on this Earth. That having been said, if you want to see all the details more closely a telescope comes in handy and makes the event itself all the more mind-blowing.
This will be happening on the night of the 10th and is well worth taking the time to watch. If you are in Asia, Australia, Africa, or Europe you will likely have the best show possible in regards unless the weather proves to be bad on that day. While here in the US we will not be able to see it some people in Canada and Alaska will be within range.
In regards to this event Moon Blink wrote as follows on their website:
A penumbral eclipse of the Moon occurs on Friday 10 January 2020 UT, lasting from 17:07–21:12 UT. At maximum eclipse, 90% of the Moon’s disc will be partially shaded by the Earth, which will cause a slight shadow gradient across its disc; this subtle effect may be visible to careful observers. No part of the Moon will be in complete shadow. The eclipse will last 4 hours and 5 minutes overall and will be visible from Africa, Europe, Asia, Alaska, and Australia.
All of this having been said even if you don’t get to experience it in person you can find videos online after it has taken place or even catch a live broadcast from somewhere that it can be seen during its occurrence. The event itself will only last about four hours and is quite spectacular.
January in itself is going to be quite the month in regards to celestial events. For more things to look out for in the night sky please feel free to check out the video below. Are you going to be checking out this moon or does it not impress you? I don’t think I will be missing it, that’s for sure.
Sources:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2020-january-10
https://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/2020_01_10