On May 16, the first total lunar eclipse of this year has been officially staged. However, it is a pity that it cannot be observed because it happened at noon Beijing time. But don't feel sorry, @ China International Television's official microblog released the astronomical spectacle photographed in Kent, UK . Next, click the video to enjoy the visual feast.
How does an eclipse form? It is understood that after the light emitted by the sun is blocked by the earth, it will produce a shadow behind the earth, which is the earth shadow. The earth shadow is divided into two parts: umbra and penumbra.
If the sun, earth and moon are exactly or almost in a straight line, when all or part of the moon rotating around the earth enters the earth's shadow, people in the earth's night hemisphere can see that the shape and color of the moon have changed, resulting in a lunar eclipse. In ancient times, it is also known as "Tiangou eats the moon".
Astronomers said that the lunar eclipse must occur in "Wang". At this time, the phase of the moon is the full moon, usually occurs on a day from the 14th to the 17th of the lunar calendar .
There are three kinds of lunar eclipses: penumbra lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse and total lunar eclipse: during a lunar eclipse, if the whole moon is in the umbra of the earth at a certain time, a total lunar eclipse will occur; A partial lunar eclipse occurs when some of them are in the umbra of the earth, and a penumbra lunar eclipse occurs when they are in the penumbra of the earth.
"Compared with penumbral and partial eclipses, total lunar eclipses are the most beautiful. At this time, when viewed from the earth, the round moon is bronze and has a unique scenery. People call it the 'Red Moon' ."
The above pictures are from video screenshots
Don't lose heart if you miss the total lunar eclipse on May 16, November 8 this year will usher in the second total lunar eclipse of the year . At that time, the whole process of the total lunar eclipse can be seen in Northeast China, and the "moon with eclipse" can be seen in other regions.
What's more, the lunar eclipse of Uranus will also be staged at the time of the eclipse on November 8. You might as well prepare in advance.