While residents of the UAE missed the recent “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse that captivated viewers in other parts of the world, there’s another celestial spectacle on the horizon. A lunar eclipse is set to darken the night sky and will be visible in the UAE.
On Saturday, October 28, sky enthusiasts in the UAE will have the opportunity to witness this stunning event as Earth’s shadow gradually dims the lunar surface when it passes between the Sun and the Moon.
The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) explained that lunar eclipses, unlike solar eclipses, are visible from a wider geographic area, making them a collective experience for sky gazers. This means that people across the UAE will have the chance to observe the lunar eclipse.
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For the best view, the DAG recommends finding an open area with a clear view of the Moon’s path. While special equipment is not required to watch the lunar eclipse, having a telescope can enhance the experience. It’s also important to note that lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses.
The lunar eclipse will have the following timings for different phases:
- Penumbral eclipse begins at 10:01 PM
- Partial eclipse starts at 11:35 PM
- Maximum eclipse at 12:14 AM on Sunday, October 29 (after midnight)
- Partial eclipse ends at 12:52 AM
- Penumbral eclipse ends at 2:26 AM
The Dubai Astronomy Group plans to host an event at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre on the night of the lunar eclipse, accommodating several hundred people for an educational and memorable experience.
These celestial events serve not only as opportunities to appreciate the night sky but also to deepen our understanding of the universe, foster international collaboration in science, and inspire the next generation of astronomers.
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This lunar eclipse will be the second of the year, following a penumbral eclipse on May 5. The penumbral eclipse featured the full Flower Moon passing through the outermost part of Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra.
For those who may have missed the solar eclipse on October 14, which presented a golden ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette, there will be more opportunities in the future to witness this spectacular phenomenon.
