A total lunar eclipse awaits those who have the energy to stay up late this Sunday night (15th) and into the early hours of Monday (16th), and luck of a cloudless night sky.
This type of eclipse happens two to three times a year, but it is not always fully visible in all corners of the world. This time, South America will be lucky enough to be able to follow the event from start to finish. Although specialized instruments are not necessary, binoculars and telescopes can add a little more flavor to the phenomenon.
Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon crosses the Earth’s shadow, illuminated by the Sun. When the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in exactly that order, our natural satellite passes behind the Earth’s shadow. This is the lunar eclipse, which can be partial, if the shadow occupies only a part of the Moon, or total, if the lunar surface comes to be completely hidden under the shadow.
From 10:32 pm (Brasília time) the penumbral phase takes place, in which part of the light is being blocked and, with that, basically, many differences are not visible to the naked eye.
The event, in fact, starts at 23:27. At that moment, the umbra, the darkest region of the shadow, advances over the Moon.
The total eclipse, that is, the Moon completely covered by shadow, should start around 0:29. The result will be our satellite with reddish hues.
The greatest shadow coverage on the Moon is expected to occur around 1:11 am. At 1:53 am sunlight again touches the Moon and the umbral phase of the eclipse ends at 2:55 am, with the penumbral going until 3:50 am.
Why does the moon turn red?
During a lunar eclipse, the Moon is illuminated by solar rays that cross the Earth’s atmosphere at the edges of the planet and are deflected towards the satellite.
In a phenomenon similar to what occurs during the setting sun on the terrestrial horizon, the atmosphere filters out almost all the colors that come from the Sun and lets only red light through. This explains the reddish coloration of our satellite.
where to see
It will be possible to see just looking at the sky. But, in addition to just looking up, it will also be possible to follow the phenomenon with devices specialized in planetariums.
Sao Paulo
The Ibirapuera Planetarium, in the Ibirapuera Park, will promote a night shift to observe the phenomenon. From 7pm to 9pm, the free session “Tem Uma Sombra na Lua” takes place, which will tell you a little about how an eclipse works and the myths involved with the event. You will not be allowed to enter the room after the session has started. It is necessary to present a vaccination card and wear a mask.
Then, at 10 pm, the “O Céu do Eclipse Lunar” sessions begin, with recognition of constellations visible on the day and curiosities about the phenomenon. A new event takes place every half hour, until 3:00 am on the 16th. Tickets start at R$20 and last 15 minutes.
Rooms are available for entry 20 minutes prior to the start of sessions. The planetarium warns that it’s worth bringing a sweater, considering that the room is air-conditioned.
Other activities should also take place around the planetarium. There is even the promise of yoga under the reddish moon of the eclipse.
Gates 3 and 10 of the park (av. Pedro Álvares Cabral – Vila Mariana) will be open for access and tickets to follow the phenomenon are available on the website planetario.urbiapass.com.br.
Campinas
The Campinas Jean Nicolini Municipal Observatory will provide telescopes to watch the phenomenon. On-site observation will begin at 8pm on Sunday.
The observatory advises people to bring warm clothes, chairs and sarongs to make the observation more comfortable.
There will be an entrance charge: R$ 10 (full price); R$ 5 (half, from presentation of proof). Only cash payment will be accepted.
The concierge of the place will remain open from 20:00 to 21:30.
The observatory is on Capricórnio Road, in the Serra das Cabras district.
Rio de Janeiro
The Planetarium of Rio, also called Planeta.RIO, in Gávea, will be another one where the eclipse can be seen with telescopes, free of charge (subject to space capacity). The planetarium amphitheater will open from 9 pm on the 15th.
The planetarium recommends that people bring beach chairs or sarongs to sit on.
The meeting may be re-evaluated depending on weather conditions.
The planetarium is located at Avenida Padre Leonel Franca 240, Gávea. There is free parking.
Brasilia
The Astronomy Club of Brasília, starting at 10:30 pm, will be in Praça dos Três Poderes, next to Espaço Lúcio Costa, to observe the eclipse.
Rio Grande do Sul
The Unipampa Planetarium (Federal University of Pampa) will also have equipment to observe the eclipse.
There will be telescopes, from the end of the afternoon, mirrored in Praça da Estação, in Bagé. If the weather conditions are not favorable, the meeting will be cancelled. The event is free.
For
The Science and Planetarium Center of Pará (CCPPA), from Uepa (University of the State of Pará), together with the Pará Astronomy Club (CAP), will have a session to observe the eclipse. Participation is free. However, registration was required from a form that is no longer open.
Observation activities at the CCPPA begin at 9:30 pm on Sunday (15) and go into the early hours of Monday.
Sergipe
In Aracaju, there will be observation of the eclipse at CCETECA (House of Science and Technology of the City of Aracaju) Galileu Galilei, in Sementeira Park.
Access to the site is via Oviêdo Teixeira avenue.
The event may be canceled depending on weather conditions.
