South Africa set for spectacular lunar eclipse as the full moon turns red

South Africans will have a chance to witness a spectacular celestial event next week, when a deep partial lunar eclipse coincides with the full Moon.

The eclipse will be visible from South Africa, with almost the entire lunar disc entering the darkest part of Earth’s shadow at the height of the event.

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About 96% of the Moon’s surface will enter Earth’s umbra, making this a particularly deep partial lunar eclipse.

While the Moon could take on the distinctive reddish-orange colour associated with a “blood moon”, this event will not technically be a total lunar eclipse because a small section of the Moon will remain outside Earth’s darkest shadow.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface.

Unlike a solar eclipse, there is no danger in looking directly at a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

As the Moon moves deeper into Earth’s shadow, the illuminated surface can appear dramatically darker and may develop shades of red or orange.

The colour is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon. Earth’s atmosphere filters out much of the blue light, allowing more red and orange light to reach the lunar surface.

What time will the lunar eclipse be visible in South Africa?

The eclipse will begin in the early hours of Friday, 28 August.

According to the supplied timings, the Moon will begin entering Earth’s faint outer shadow at approximately:

03:23 – Penumbral eclipse begins

The more noticeable partial eclipse will then begin at around:

05:12 – Partial eclipse begins

The eclipse will reach its maximum at approximately:

06:12 – Maximum eclipse

There is, however, an important catch for South African viewers.

By the time the eclipse reaches its maximum, the Moon will be very low above the western horizon and will set shortly afterwards.

That means finding a location with a clear view towards the west will be crucial.

The eclipse will be visible across South Africa

The lunar eclipse will be visible from other parts of the country, including:

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Cape Town
• Bloemfontein
• Gqeberha
• Durban

However, the Moon’s height above the horizon will vary depending on where you are.

In Johannesburg, for example, the Moon will be only a few degrees above the western horizon at maximum eclipse.

This makes location particularly important for anyone hoping to see the most dramatic stage of the event.

If you want to watch the eclipse, you won’t need specialist equipment. The lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye.

For the best chance of seeing it:

• Find somewhere with a clear view towards the west.
• Choose an elevated location if possible.
• Avoid areas surrounded by tall buildings, trees or mountains.
• Get into position before the partial eclipse begins.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.

Binoculars or a telescope can make the changing colours and shadow across the Moon even more impressive, but they are not necessary.

The biggest challenge for South African viewers will not be the eclipse itself, but catching the Full moon before it disappears below the western horizon.

So set that alarm – this is one morning when being awake before sunrise could be worth it!

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