The partial lunar eclipse on August 27 will be visible across Argentina, reaching a 94 % coverage of the lunar disk and a reddish hue. The penumbral phase starts at 22:23, the maximum at 01:12 on the 28th, lasting 3 h 18 min.
Dates and Coverage
The event begins at 22:23 with the penumbral phase, barely perceptible to the naked eye. At 23:33 the Moon enters the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow. The maximum, with 94 % coverage in Buenos Aires, is reached at 01:12 on August 28. The partial phase ends at 02:50, followed by the exit of the penumbra at 04:01. The total duration of the partial eclipse is 3 h 18 min; including the penumbral phases, the event lasts 5 h 38 min.
Why the Moon Turns Red
During maximum, sunlight reaching the Moon passes through Earth's atmosphere. Short-wave rays are scattered, leaving red tones dominant. This phenomenon, popularly known as “Blood Moon,” occurs even in partial eclipses because the Moon is not completely hidden by Earth's shadow.
How to Observe It
The eclipse is visible to the naked eye; no special equipment is required. Adrián González, science communicator at the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, states that “lunar eclipses do not pose any harm to the human eye.” For a more detailed experience, binoculars or basic telescopes are recommended, and one should seek locations away from urban light pollution.
Activity at the Galileo Galilei Planetarium
On Thursday, August 27 at 23:00, the Planetarium will open its doors for a free event to observe the eclipse. The itinerary includes 10 telescopes supervised by educators, an accessible station with special telescopes for people with disabilities, and live music. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis; the event is suspended if clouds or rain occur.
Final Recommendations
To enjoy the phenomenon, it is advised to leave at least 30 min before the penumbral phase, find a spot with good night-sky visibility, and avoid light pollution. If the weather allows, watching the Moon turn red will be a memorable experience for anyone, from amateurs to astronomy experts.
