The Moon will turn red in the Balearic Islands: when and where to see the eclipse of August 28
The phenomenon will reach its peak at 06.12 h, will cover 93% of the satellite and will be better contemplated from points with a clear western horizon
PalmJust 16 days after the total solar eclipse, the Balearic Islands will look to the sky again. On the morning of Friday, August 28, the Earth's shadow will cover 93% of the Moon and will tinge a good part of the satellite with a reddish or brick-red hue.
It will not be a total eclipse, but it will be very close. The phenomenon will reach its peak at 06:12 AM, when the Moon will be low on the western horizon. To observe it in good conditions, it will be advisable to find a place with an open view to the west.
Unlike the solar eclipse of August 12, this time no approved glasses or any other eye protection will be needed. The lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye without any risk.
At what time will it start?
The first phase will begin at 03:23, when the Moon enters the Earth's penumbra. Initially, however, the darkening will be so slight that it will be difficult to perceive.
The change will begin to be more evident from 04:33 onwards, with the start of the partial phase. Around 05:30, a pinkish or reddish hue will be noticeable, as explained to Europa Press by the president of the Astronomy and Astronautics Foundation of Mallorca, Salvador Sánchez.
The culminating moment will arrive at 06:12. At that time, 93% of the lunar disk will be submerged within the Earth's shadow, and only a small strip will remain illuminated. The Moon will be low on the horizon and, in the Balearic Islands, it will set before the partial phase of the eclipse ends.
Where will it be best seen?
The best observation points will be those with a completely clear western horizon. According to Sánchez, in Mallorca the Tramuntana mountain range will offer one of the most spectacular views, especially from places with an open perspective towards the sea.
In the rest of the Balearic Islands, the phenomenon will also be well observable because, during the most relevant phases, the Moon will still have sufficient altitude. On the other hand, some settlements located on the eastern slope of the Serra may have more difficulties if the mountains block their western horizon.
It is not essential to go to a known viewpoint or climb a summit. A promenade, a beach, or any safe space with a clear view to the west can offer good observation conditions.
Beware of calls to elevated places
Sánchez warns that calls from enthusiasts proposing to observe the eclipse from elevated or difficult-to-access points should not be followed. Arrival will be at night and lack of light can increase the risk of falls, disorientation, and accidents on the ground.
The astronomer recommends prioritizing accessible and safe spaces and avoiding paths, cliffs, and mountainous areas that are not well known. An open view to the west is more important than altitude.
The forecast is that the phenomenon will awaken considerable attendance because it will still coincide with the summer holidays for many people. This may generate concentrations in some points of the coast and the mountain range, although the early morning hour will predictably reduce attendance compared to the solar eclipse.
No special glasses are needed
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the satellite. Therefore, unlike during a solar eclipse, looking directly at it poses no danger to your eyesight.
Approved glasses, filters, or any special equipment are not required. It can also be observed with conventional binoculars or telescopes, as long as they are used properly.
The reddish hue appears because a portion of sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the Moon. The atmosphere primarily scatters the blue tones and allows the reds and oranges to pass through, which end up illuminating the lunar surface.
How to photograph it with a mobile phone?
The Moon's low position can allow you to photograph the eclipse over the sea, the Serra, or some landscape element. Sánchez recommends stabilizing the phone with a tripod to prevent the images from being blurry, especially because there will be little light.
If you don't have a tripod, you can rest your mobile on a stable surface. The astronomer even suggests using a sports shoe as an improvised support.
It is also advisable to turn off the flash, use the timer to avoid moving the device when pressing the button, and not overuse the digital zoom, as it reduces the quality of the photograph.
The result will also depend on the weather. If the sky remains clear, the eclipse can leave images of the reddish Moon approaching the western horizon shortly before dawn.