Sky enthusiasts in various parts of the world, including Pakistan, are in for a celestial treat with the upcoming lunar eclipse, set to grace the night skies on Saturday.
Final Celestial Show of the Year
This lunar eclipse marks the last opportunity in 2023 for avid stargazers to witness a spectacular celestial event.
Partial Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
As reported by Earth Sky, today’s lunar eclipse is a partial penumbral lunar eclipse, occurring for the second and final time this year, just a mere two weeks after the October 14 is the last solar eclipse of 2023.
Global Visibility
This captivating phenomenon will be visible in regions across the globe, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North/East South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.
Lunar Eclipse Schedule in Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that the lunar eclipse on October 28 will be observable in Pakistan. The eclipse is scheduled to commence at 11:02 PM (local time), reach its peak at 01:14 AM, and conclude at 03:26 AM on October 29 (Sunday).
Unveiling the Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the moon’s surface. Such phenomena exclusively take place during a full moon and offer a captivating spectacle for skywatchers.
Varieties of Lunar Eclipses
It is essential to note that there are three distinct types of lunar eclipses, each contingent on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and moon at the time of the event:
- Total Lunar Eclipse: Earth’s shadow entirely engulfs the lunar surface.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: A portion of the moon enters Earth’s shadow, giving the impression of a “bite” taken out of the lunar surface.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The faint outer edge of Earth’s shadow partially blankets the lunar surface.