May arrives with important phenomena on the astronomical plane. This first weekend of the month we will witness a double and unique event: the penumbral eclipse of the Moon and a shower of stars. The eclipse will be visible from Asia, Oceania and Europe, so our country, especially eastern parts of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, will be able to enjoy this special event.
Astronomy lovers will also witness a meteor shower, whose meteors come from Halley’s comet. Given the proximity of the eta aquarids, its rate will be enough to catch some in the sky. Here we tell you all the details of this unique spring night.
The penumbral lunar eclipse takes place when the moon passes through the penumbra (weakest part) of the Earth’s shadow, so it is not completely covered by the earth’s shadow, but rather it darkens, taking on a reddish tone as if it were “blood”. â€. It will begin at 3:15 p.m. Universal Time (5:00 p.m. Spanish time) and end at 7:30 p.m. UT (9:30 p.m. Spanish time) being visible in the last phases in Asia, Oceania, Africa and Europe.
Regarding the eta aquarids, they are originated by the long-duration comet 1/P Halley and its maximum peak is expected to be on the night of May 6-7. They have their radiant in the star eta of the constellation Aquarius, hence their name. The National Astronomical Observatory indicates that the activity rate of the Aquarius meteors will be between 40 and 85 meteors per hour, thus passing at a fairly fast speed.
To witness this spectacular astronomical event, it is advisable to get away from the city lights, although it is always possible to see it in streaming thanks to the observatories. It should be taken into account that lunar eclipses are safer than solar eclipses, so NASA advises against using protectors or binoculars to observe the phenomenon.
Regarding the meteor shower, it can be seen with the naked eye if you try to cover the longest possible horizon. However, having a moon that is 99% visible, hunting for a star will be difficult this weekend, so it is recommended to wait for the week of May 15, when the intensity of the moon is less.
