Astronomy enthusiasts will once again turn their eyes to the sky ahead of a partial lunar eclipse on 28 August.
Following the historic total solar eclipse on 12 August, a partial lunar eclipse with a magnitude of 0.93 will take place and will be visible across Spain.
According to Euronews, citing data from Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), at least some phases of the eclipse will also be visible from Europe, Africa, the Americas and western Asia.
No special glasses needed
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special glasses or other protective equipment will be needed to watch the phenomenon.
The IGN says the eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye and that no specialised equipment is required.
The eclipse will be particularly deep, reaching a magnitude of 0.93. This means that at its maximum phase, the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, will cover about 93% of the Moon’s diameter.
This figure should not be confused with the percentage of the Moon’s surface that will be darkened.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to pass through the shadow cast by the planet.
When only part of the Moon enters Earth’s umbra, as will happen on 28 August, the event is classified as a partial lunar eclipse.
Where the eclipse will be best seen in Spain
In Spain, the partial phase will be visible across the country before moonset, although conditions will vary significantly depending on location.
In central and eastern mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and Melilla, the Moon will set before the partial phase has ended.
In the rest of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and Ceuta, moonset will occur after the partial phase is over.
Choosing a location with an unobstructed view towards the horizon where the Moon will set will therefore be particularly important, along with favourable weather conditions.
