Lunar Eclipse 2023: The first penumbral lunar eclipse of 2023 surprised space enthusiasts on May 5. People in parts of Asia, Africa, and other continents witnessed it. this celestial event. A penumbral eclipse coincides with a full moon called the “Flower Moon”, which occurs in May each year. Let’s learn more about the flower moon and see some visual highlights of the first Penumbral Solar Eclipse of the year in this article.
What is a full moon?
The lunar phase is governed by the moon’s position in its orbit and not by the angle viewed from any particular location on Earth. A full moon occurs when the moon is located exactly on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. There are 17 different types of full moons in total.
Source: AP Photo/NG Han Guan
The full moon in May is often called the “flower moon” because flowers begin to bloom in North America at that time. Spring in the Northern Hemisphere usually begins in May and this season is known for its many flowers, hence the name Flower Moon.
Source: AP Photo/Bikas Das
The name honors this month’s signature blooming flowers. Native Americans called it the Planting Moon, Budding Moon, and Spawning Moon. Because frogs usually become active in May, the Cree named it the Frog Moon. Other cultures have distinct customs; The Cherokees called the lunar month of May the “planting moon,” which is reflected in their title for the month of May.
Why is it difficult to see the Flower Moon?
This year’s flower moon coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse, making it difficult to enjoy the full moon. During a penumbral eclipse, Earth’s weaker outer shadow, called the penumbra, contrasts with its larger inner shadow, called the umbra, and appears slightly less bright.
Source: PTI
In fact, you most likely won’t be able to tell the difference between a solar eclipse and a normal Full Moon. During a solar eclipse, the moon is about 3.8 thousand km from Earth. The Supermoon effect makes the moon appear larger than normal and reduces the distance between Earth and the moon by 20,000 km, leading many to believe this is the shortest distance between the two objects.
Source: PTI
This year will see two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses, for a total of four solar eclipses. On April 20, there was a hybrid solar eclipse, the first of its kind. A second, rarer, annular solar eclipse will occur on October 14. The first lunar eclipse of the year, a penumbral lunar eclipse, takes place on May 5. And the last lunar eclipse of the year, a solar eclipse part, which will happen on October 28.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn