In the early hours of Wednesday, the UAE witnessed a partial lunar eclipse along with the rest of the world. The eclipse was partial because the Earth’s shadow covered only part of the moon’s disk.
A lunar and solar eclipse occur once every six months, with a period of two weeks between them. During an eclipse, the sun, the earth and the moon align in a single line. If the moon is in the middle, a solar eclipse will be seen. However, when the earth is in the middle, a lunar eclipse occurs.
How to watch the lunar eclipse
The Dubai Astronomy Group hosted a live stream on their YouTube channel which documented all of the phases of the eclipse from 4 AM to 6 AM. The live stream also included sightings of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, in addition to an interview with Steffen Thorsen, CEO of Time and Date AS.
Supermoon sighting
Today, the partial lunar eclipse coincides with a supermoon sighting, which is when the moon comes closest to the Earth in its elliptic orbit — resulting in a slightly larger-than-usual apparent size of the lunar disk as viewed from Earth. The Dubai Astronomy Group will also host an event tonight at the University of Dubai to witness the supermoon.
The UAE’s next total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7 next year and December 31, 2028.
Tips and safety precautions
It is safe to view a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, as it does not emit harmful radiation. However, it is recommended to use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the moon. To ensure seeing a solar eclipse safely, make sure to avoid looking directly at the sun, as it can cause eye damage. Use a solar filter or handheld solar viewer to safely view the Sun during a solar eclipse.
Even during a partial or annular eclipse, the Sun will still be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
Read: Six planets unite in the dawn hours on August 28 – All you need to know
Capturing the lunar eclipse: Photography tips
If you are a photography enthusiast and want to take high-quality and clear images of the lunar eclipse, make sure to use a camera with a good low-light sensor. A tripod is also essential to stabilize your camera and avoid camera shake. You can also use a wide-angle lens to capture the moon and its surroundings.
Take multiple shots at different exposures to capture the different phases of the eclipse and use image-editing software to enhance the colors and contrast of your photos.
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