Diksia.com - The following is the schedule for the penumbral lunar eclipse that will occur on May 5th and 6th, 2023.
This penumbral lunar eclipse phenomenon can be observed across Indonesia.
This was stated by the Research Center for Space Exploration of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Rhorom Priyatikanto.
“The entire region of Indonesia has a section. The penumbral lunar eclipse phenomenon can be observed in the region of Indonesia around midnight, which will occur on May 5-6, 2023.”
“The eclipse begins at 21:15 WIB on May 5, 2023 and ends at 01:30 WIB the next day and peaks at 23:24 WIB,” he explained, quoted from brin.go.id.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Process
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the entire lunar disk enters Earth’s penumbra.
The penumbra occurs when only part of the sunlight is blocked by the earth.
This event is one of the results of the dynamic movement of the positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
Penumbral lunar eclipses only occur during the full moon phases and can be predicted in advance.
The reason for this is that the positions of the moon, earth and sun are almost identical.
“But all three don’t combine well enough to create a total lunar eclipse,” Rhorom said.
In addition, a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when part of the sunlight is blocked by the Earth, i.e. the moon enters the Earth’s penumbra.
As the moon enters the penumbra, its brightness gradually decreases.
This penumbral lunar eclipse process is the position of the Moon, Sun and Earth in an alignment where the Moon enters only the Earth’s penumbra.
Therefore, when the eclipse reaches its peak, the moon appears dimmer than the full moon.
In addition, Rhorom also explained the difference between umbra and penumbra during a lunar eclipse.
“The difference between the umbra and the penumbra in a lunar eclipse is that when part of the moon enters the umbra, that part receives no sunlight except for a small part that is refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere and vice versa part. Those who enter the penumbra still receive sunlight,” he said.
How to see the penumbral lunar eclipse
As additional information, it should be noted that the penumbral lunar eclipse is difficult to observe without the help of a camera.
“It will be quite difficult for humans to watch this eclipse without the help of a camera as it will only be eclipsed by the full moon.”
“So this eclipse is not like a partial or total eclipse that makes the moon appear reddish,” he explained.
To witness this penumbral lunar eclipse, people can check local weather conditions tonight and spend some time observing the sky.
For people who want to preserve this phenomenon, digital cameras make documentation easier.
In addition to the phenomenon of the penumbral lunar eclipse, if they are lucky at the same time, people can also observe the Eta Aquariid meteor shower.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower occurs frequently between April 19 and May 28.
“The Eta Aquariid meteor shower typically occurs when Earth enters a stream of meteoroids/dust left over from Comet Halley that passed decades ago.”
“Although they occur together, these two phenomena are unrelated,” Rhorom said.
