FLORENCE – The Shoals and the State of Alabama will be in for a treat this weekend when a total lunar eclipse occurs Jan. 20 and 21. In addition, the University of North Alabama Planetarium will host a Public Observation complete with telescopes, as part of the event.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes into the shadow of the Earth. The result is the Moon slowly goes from a full Moon to a dark red color and back to completely full in a few hours. This weekend’s eclipse should begin around 8:30 p.m., and last until the early morning of Jan. 21.
There are several stages of lunar eclipses. The first stage is the penumbral stage, when from the point of view of an observer on the Moon, the Earth only blocks part of the Sun. The next stage is the partial-eclipse phase, where parts of the moon have light from the Sun entirely blocked. The total eclipse stage occurs when the entire Moon is within the Earth’s shadow. After the total eclipse, the sequence of events reverses, with a partial eclipse followed by a penumbral stage at the end.
The total eclipse stage is often called the “Blood Moon,” because the Moon takes on a dark red color. This is caused by red light passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, hitting the Moon’s surface and reflecting back to us.
The penumbral stage of the upcoming eclipse will begin at about 8:36 p.m., Jan 20. The partial eclipse will begin 9:33 p.m., while the total eclipse begins at 10:41 p.m., and ends 11:43 p.m., with the maximum eclipse at 11:12 p.m.
As mentioned, the entire eclipse will be visible from Alabama without the need for special equipment. However, a telescope or binoculars will enhance the experience.
For more information: The UNA Planetarium at 256-765-4284 or rmblake@una.edu
Media Release/Dr. Mel Blake, Physics and Earth Science/UNA
