Hunter’s Moon, Penumbral Eclipse This Evening

Sky watchers have the opportunity to take in two lunar spectacles this evening [Oct 18] — a full moon along with a penumbral lunar eclipse — with the maximum eclipse set to occurs at 8.50pm Bermuda time, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.

“As Luna rises on the evening of the 18th her southern limb dips deeply into the Earth’s penumbral shadow,” said the U.S. agency. ”She crests the horizon here in Washington at 6:14 pm EDT with the eclipse underway. Maximum eclipse occurs at 7:50 pm.”

The full moon taken off the east end this evening:

HuffPo said unlike total eclipses, in which Earth’s umbra — the central region of its shadow — darkens the moon entirely, a penumbral lunar eclipse involves only a slight dimming. Skywatchers should expect to see a much more subtle sight — with a shadow on the lower half of the full moon.

EarthSky also emphasizes the subtle aspect of the eclipse saying, “You may not notice any shading at all on the moon’s surface if you see the eclipse from the Americas.

“Even as the eclipse is happening, you’ll be seeing the moon low in the sky, peering at it through more atmosphere than when the moon is overhead. This is a very, very subtle kind of eclipse.”

The moon hovering over a beach by Fort St Catherine this evening:

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, this second full moon of autumn is called the “Hunter’s Moon” by many Native American tribes for its ability to provide enough light to hunt by during the nighttime hours.

The next full moon, sometimes known as the “Beaver Moon,” will take place on November 17.

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Category: All, Environment