Next week, Nov. 18 through 19, will see the longest partial lunar eclipse this century. 19 and will be visible in all 50 states.
NASA predicts that the near-total eclipse by the Micro Beaver Full Moon will last approximately 3 hours, 28 mins and 23 seconds. It starts at 2:19 AM EST (7:19 UTC); reaches its maximum at 4 AM EST (9:19 UTC); and ends at 5:47 AM EST (10:47 UTC). Because the Micro Beaver moon occurs in the middle of beaver-trapping season, it is called that because it is the closest to Earth.
The partial lunar eclipse will see 97% of Earth's shadow cover the full moon. It will be the longest eclipse of this century. This eclipse dwarfs the total lunar eclipse that lasted 1 hour and 43 mins in 2018. According to the Holcomb Observatory, Butler University, Indiana, the eclipse that is about to occur will be the longest partial lunar eclipse for 580 years.
Similar: Photos: 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse
Lunar eclipses occur when Earth slides between the sun and the moon, so our planet's shadow "falls on" or eclipses the moon. In partial eclipses, the shadow may block most or all of the sun's light, and make the moon dark, rusty, red.
The moon's reddish color is due to the fact that light from the sun travels through the atmosphere to reach it, despite being blocked by Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of Earth's shadow). Live Science previously reported that Earth's atmosphere filters shorter wavelengths of light, allowing red and orange wavelengths through. These red and orange wavelengths travel through Earth's atmosphere to reach the moon, where they are bathed in mahogany-red light.
To get exact eclipse timings for your location, you can visit timeanddate.com. The eclipse will be visible in North America, the Pacific Ocean, Alaska and Western Europe. It is also visible from Japan, New Zealand, New Zealand, and New Zealand. Even though the eclipse's early stages occur before the moonrise in Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia, observers in these areas will still be able to view the full eclipse. South American and Western European viewers will, however, see the eclipse peak before the moon sets.
Unfortunately, there will not be any eclipse visible from Africa, the Middle East, or western Asia. Some areas might have clouds blocking the view of moon. It is important to check weather reports before you plan on viewing.
You don't have to miss it. According to timeanddate.com, there will be two lunar eclipses in 2022. The first one will take place between May 15-16, 2022. The second one will take place between Nov. 7-8, 2022.
Live Science would love to publish partial lunar eclipse photos. Please email us images at community@livescience.com. We will use the caption to include your name, address, and some details about your viewing experience.
Original publication on Live Science
