Anne VerbiscerJul 06, 2009

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Tonight

by Anne Verbiscer

Anne Verbiscer Anne Verbiscer is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Virginia. She studies the surfaces of icy bodies in the outer Solar System and has been involved with the Cassini mission to Saturn since 2007. Currently a visitor at Southwest Research Institute, she has been enjoying the past year living in the mountains above Boulder, Colorado.

At 8:37:51 UTC on July 7th, the Moon will be eclipsed, but just barely, by the Earth's penumbra for about two hours. This penumbral eclipse, the second of four lunar eclipses in 2009, will be so slight that the difference in brightness between the eclipsed and uneclipsed Moon will be invisible to the unaided eye.

The penumbral eclipse on July 7, 2009

timeanddate.com

The penumbral eclipse on July 7, 2009
Kaguya spacecraft's view of the Earth during a penumbral lunar eclipse

JAXA / NHK

Kaguya spacecraft's view of the Earth during a penumbral lunar eclipse
July and December 2009 Eclispes

July and December 2009 Eclispes

clipses seen from the Moon on July 7 (left) and December 31 (right) 2009.

Let’s Go Beyond The Horizon

Every success in space exploration is the result of the community of space enthusiasts, like you, who believe it is important. You can help usher in the next great era of space exploration with your gift today.

Donate Today