This week on WPKY’s “Waking up with Tess” we dived into this Sunday’s lunar eclipse that is being called a ‘Super Flower/Blood Moon’ perfect for Photo-Ops! Here’s why, where and how to get the best view…
According to the “Farmers Almanac”, there will be two eclipses of the Moon, and two eclipses of the Sun in 2022. One of those will be visible this week, right here at home!
This Sunday night, May 15th, a total eclipse of the Moon will sweep across the continent. It’s been years since we’ve had a true total lunar eclipse.
Remaining Eclipse Dates for 2022
May 15, 2022: Total Eclipse of the Moon. Visible in North America, except in northwest region. The Moon will enter the penumbra at 8:31 P.M. CDT on May 15th, and leave at 1:52 AM CDT, May 16th.
October 25, 2022: Partial Eclipse of the Sun. This eclipse is not visible from North America.
November 8, 2022: Total Eclipse of the Moon. This eclipse is visible in North America, although the Moon will be setting during the eclipse for observers in eastern regions. The Moon will enter the penumbra at 2:01AM, November 8th and leave at 7:58AM CST.
What Is an Eclipse?
The Farmer’s Almanac lists 2 types of eclipses we can actually watch from Earth:
—Solar occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, blocking out it’s light sometimes partially, or at times, entirely, and only visible in certain areas. Oh…and they are also the ones that require the cool glasses!
—Lunar is the full Moon entering the shadow of Earth. No glasses required, and visible from the entire night side of Earth.
The May 15th Moon is also a “Super-moon”, the time when the Moon is nearest to Earth. The Moon will appear large in the night sky, and makes for a great photo-op!
Plus, in the day or two following the super-moon, extra high tides can be expected.
Watch the Shapes of a Total Eclipse
From 9:28 – 10:29PM CDT, the moon goes through odd shapes. Lunar is safe to view with the naked eye, no special eye wear required!
Totality starts just before 10:30PM and lasts about an hour and 15 mins. Unlike a solar eclipse, nothing really exciting happens during totality except the Super-Full Moon turns coppery red. Thus…the “Blood Moon” from folklore and every vampire movie ever made, and countless faint stars will fill the sky. So although a total lunar eclipse isn’t as exciting as Solar, it’s worth staying up late and getting the kids involved! The photo-ops alone make is worth every minute of lost sleep!!
Times to remember this Sunday (CDT) May 15th, 2022
- Partial – around 9:27 pm
- Totality starts at/or near 10:29PM
- Totality ends by 11:54 pm
- Partial over by 12:55 am
