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The moon remains visible amidst the darkness, explaining its continued sight.

The moon's shadowy appearance next Sunday will sport a reddish-bronze hue, but there's a twist to this celestial spectacle.

The reason the moon isn't hidden by darkness.
The reason the moon isn't hidden by darkness.

The moon remains visible amidst the darkness, explaining its continued sight.

The skies above Europe, Asia, and Africa will be graced with a celestial spectacle on the night of May 15-16, 2022. This upcoming total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "blood moon," will offer a captivating sight as the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, appearing reddish-brown.

However, for those in Germany, the next total lunar eclipse will have to wait until December 31, 2028. The Moon's entry into the Earth's penumbra for this event will commence at 17:27, and it will enter the Earth's umbra an hour later. The totality of the eclipse will begin around 19:30 and last until about 20:53.

While lunar eclipses may not be as exciting for research purposes as solar eclipses, they are considered a beautiful event that can spark interest in astronomy. Scientists find these events valuable, as they provide a unique opportunity to study the Earth's atmosphere and the Moon's surface.

It's important to note that the term "blood moon" is not entirely accurate for the colour of the eclipsed Moon. A more fitting description would be a "copper moon." This reddish-brown hue is caused by the Earth's atmosphere bending and scattering sunlight onto the Moon's surface.

For those in Germany who wish to catch a glimpse of a partial lunar eclipse before the next total eclipse in 2028, there's an opportunity on August 28, 2023. However, one would have to rise early in the morning to observe it.

Looking further ahead, the next total lunar eclipse visible from America and Asia will be on March 3, 2026. Meanwhile, the next total lunar eclipse that will be partly visible from Germany and many parts of Europe will occur on September 7, 2025. The total phase of this eclipse will occur around 20:11 local time. Unfortunately, the following total lunar eclipse, on March 6, 2026, will not be visible in Europe.

For those who want to stay updated on these celestial events, the BNN News App is available for iPhone and Android devices, and BNN newsletters are available under a specific link.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that during a lunar eclipse, astronauts on the Moon would experience a solar eclipse caused by the Earth. This fascinating fact serves as a stark reminder of our place in the universe and the interconnectedness of celestial bodies.

So, mark your calendars and prepare your eyes for the cosmic dance of the Moon and the Earth. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply curious, these lunar eclipses promise to be a captivating sight.

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