Early risers will be rewarded on May 16th
During the eclipse, the moon glows reddish
Source: Photo Alliance / Xinhua News Agency
A total lunar eclipse is always a special experience. On the morning of Monday, May 16, it’s time again in Germany. The moon will turn a copper color – before it disappears below the horizon.
aOn May 16, Monday morning, a total lunar eclipse will be observed in Germany. These are the most exciting moments in the night sky in May.
During a total lunar eclipse, the full moon is completely immersed in the Earth’s shadow. This is the area behind the Earth where direct sunlight does not reach. However, the moon does not become completely dark, but rather shines faintly with a reddish light that reaches it through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Unfortunately, the total phase of the eclipse begins on May 16 only when the moon is about to begin in this country. Total start at 5:29 a.m. But after only six minutes, the moon disappeared below the horizon. These exact times refer to the geographic location of 50°N and 10°E.
There is something to be seen from 4.28 am
One can at least notice the first part of complete darkness in Germany. Partial occlusion of the moon can be admired long before then, provided the view is cloud-free. Already at 4.28 am, the full moon begins to enter the shadow of the Earth.
Soon thereafter, it appears to have a visible effect. Then the darkened part becomes larger and larger, but glows more or less faintly in the reddish light. If you want to be noticed, you should set the alarm accordingly early on.
But there is not only a moon that can be seen. Four planets can also be seen in the morning sky. Venus is still the bright morning star. At the beginning of the month it rises around 4.45 am, and in the middle of May it rises at 4.22 am in the east.
In a telescope it appears smaller and more rounded as it moves away from us and illuminates more and more of its visible surface with the Sun.
Next lunar eclipse in October 2023
An attractive constellation appears on May 27 when the thin crescent of the waning moon passes close to Venus. It is also easy to observe the ringed planet Saturn in the morning hours. Earlier this month, it rises around 3:40 a.m. in the southeast.
The two planets Mars and Jupiter follow Saturn and form an impressive duo between May 27 and 31, when Mars passes Jupiter from west to east. Jupiter is noticeably brighter than Mars. The best time to watch is after 4 am. The two planets then lie in the east under the square constellation Pegasus.
The next total lunar eclipse will not be visible in Germany until October 28, 2023.
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