A celestial treat is in store for sky gazers as a lunar eclipse of 2023 is poised to grace the skies tomorrow, marking the final celestial spectacle of the year for those who are passionate about observing the heavens.
Scheduled for tomorrow, this lunar eclipse is classified as a partial penumbral lunar eclipse, according to a report by Earth Sky. It is the second and final lunar eclipse of 2023, occurring just two weeks after the last solar eclipse on October 14. The previous lunar eclipse took place at the beginning of May this year.
The good news is that this celestial event will be observable in various regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North and East South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica. Excitingly, it will also be visible in Pakistan, as confirmed by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
For those in Pakistan, the eclipse will commence in the late hours of Saturday, starting at 11:02 PM local time. It will reach its peak at 01:14 AM and conclude at 03:26 AM on Sunday, October 29. This provides ample opportunity for stargazers in Pakistan to witness this captivating celestial event.
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But what exactly is a lunar eclipse? Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the moon’s surface. These events can only transpire during a full moon and offer a fascinating spectacle for those interested in observing the night sky.
Types of Lunar Eclipse of 2023
Lunar eclipse come in three distinct types, each dependent on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and moon at the time of the event:
- Total Lunar Eclipse: During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow completely envelops the lunar surface, resulting in a mesmerizing transformation of the moon’s appearance.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: In a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon enters Earth’s shadow, often resembling a “bite” taken out of the lunar surface. This can create a visually captivating effect.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The subtle outer part of Earth’s shadow is cast over the lunar surface during a penumbral lunar eclipse. While less dramatic than the other types, it still offers a compelling celestial event.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to gaze at the skies, for the last lunar eclipse of 2023 is indeed visible in Pakistan, promising a celestial spectacle that is not to be missed.