Lunar Eclipse Set to Grace UAE Skies: A Celestial Spectacle Not to Be Missed

Although UAE residents missed the ‘ring of fire’ annular solar eclipse earlier this month, they’re in for another celestial treat with a lunar eclipse on the horizon.

On Saturday, October 28, the night sky will be adorned with a lunar eclipse as the Earth’s shadow passes between the Sun and the Moon.

Lunar Eclipses: A Shared Skygazing Experience:

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are visible from a wider geographic area, providing a collective experience for sky gazers, as noted by the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).

Residents in the UAE can witness this awe-inspiring event from anywhere in the country. 

The ideal viewing spot is “from any open area with a clear view of the Moon’s path,” advises Sheeraz Ahmad Awan, the general manager at DAG.

Educational Event at Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre:

For those seeking a more educational experience, the DAG will host an event at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre. 

The event will be set up in their open backyard, capable of accommodating several hundred attendees.

While special equipment is unnecessary to view the eclipse, a telescope can enhance the experience. 

It’s worth noting that lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye, in contrast to solar eclipses.

Eclipse Timings:

The lunar eclipse will have a partial phase lasting 1 hour and 17 minutes, spanning 4 and 25 minutes. Awan provided the following breakdown of eclipse timings:

• The penumbral eclipse begins at 10:01 pm
• Partial eclipse commences at 11:35 pm
• Maximum eclipse occurs at 12:14 am (Sunday, October 29, after midnight)
• Partial eclipse ends at 12:52 am
• The penumbral eclipse concludes at 2:26 am

A Cosmic Learning Experience:

The DAG emphasized that celestial events such as lunar eclipses are not just about stargazing but deepening our understanding of the universe, fostering international collaboration in science, and inspiring future astronomers.

The Second Lunar Eclipse of the Year:

This lunar eclipse marks the second of the year, following a penumbral eclipse on May 5. 

The May event saw the full Flower Moon passing through Earth’s outermost shadow, known as the penumbra, as explained by Space.