KNYSNA NEWS - Astronomical aficionados in Knysna might be ecstatic that weather reports are often wrong for the first time this Friday when the whole of South Africa (weather permitting) will be able to witness the longest lunar eclipse of the century, according to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (Assa). The majority of weather reports predict foul weather in our neck of the woods but…
Thus it might be wise for local star-gazers to get ready to head for the Heads, Buffalo Bay, the water tower on Knysna Heights, Concordia, Nekkies or Hornlee and even Simola or Pezula in case fortunes smile on them and the universe decides to open the skies for the dramatic event.
According to Assa, the eclipse will start at 20:24 and last until 00:19.
“Most of Africa, Europe, the Middle East and eastern Asia will see this eclipse,” says Assa. “For far western Africa and Europe, the eclipse will have started by the time the moon rises.”
The eclipse on Friday will be historical, as it is will be longest one recorded in the 21st century at a staggering 3 hours and 55 minutes.
You won’t need any special equipment to enjoy witnessing the eclipse either.
“Don’t miss Mars – the bright orange ‘star’ that will be near the moon on eclipse night,” Assa advises.
The full moon will rise just after sunset on Friday.
Image: Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
At 19:13 South African time, the moon will start moving into the penumbral (partial) shadow of the earth. Less direct sunlight will reach the eastern (lower) side of the moon, and you may notice the moon dimming slightly from that side.
At 20:24 the moon will start moving into the umbral shadow of the earth. From this time, the moon will appear to change shape.
From 21:30 to 23:13 the moon will be totally eclipsed.
At 00:19, the moon will be out of the earth’s umbral shadow and the observable eclipse will be over.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from start to finish from anywhere in Africa will be in 2025.
Article: Astronomical Society of Southern Africa
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