The lunar eclipse on Wednesday 26 May was beautiful if often obscured by clouds.
Here’s a video of the eclipse from the HK Observatory if you missed it…. Skip through to minute 35.
The next lunar eclipse observable in Hong Kong will be a partial lunar eclipse on 19 November, 2021.
There will be a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday 26 May, coincidentally the same day as the biggest full moon of the year – when the diameter of the moon will be about 7 per cent larger than an ordinary full moon.
The total lunar eclipse will begin before ‘moonrise’, as the elevation of the moon will be quite low. The best observation places will be those with an unobstructed view to the southeast – weather permitting of course.
The total lunar eclipse will begin at 7.09pm and end at 7.28pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 7.19pm. During the period of the total lunar eclipse, the moon will not completely vanish but will appear as dull red. This is the result of the blue part of sunlight being scattered away by the Earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light refracted onto the moon.
If you can’t find a good vantage point the eclipse will be live-streamed: www.hko.gov.hk/en/gts/event/webcast-20210526.htm.
The next lunar eclipse observable in Hong Kong will be a partial lunar eclipse on 19 November, 2021.
Images: HK Observatory
This year’s third penumbral lunar eclipse will occur in Hong Kong on the afternoon of 30 November. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon only enters the penumbra of the Earth but not the umbra. During the event, the Moon will become slightly dimmer. A special feature of the coming lunar eclipse is that the eclipse will begin before moonrise.
The eclipse will begin at 3.30pm and end at 7.56pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 5.42pm, which will be four minutes after moonrise. The whole process (from moonrise to the moon leaving the penumbra) will last for two hours and 18 minutes.
As the elevation of the Moon will be rather low in the sky during the eclipse, it’s best observed from somewhere with an unobstructed view towards the east and northeast horizon.
The next lunar eclipse observable in Hong Kong will be a total lunar eclipse on May 26, 2021.
images: HK Observatory
