Partial lunar eclipse visible in Switzerland at dawn on Friday

Partial lunar eclipse visible in Switzerland at dawn on Friday Keystone-SDA

Two weeks after the solar eclipse, Switzerland will be treated to another astronomical spectacle. At dawn on Friday August 28, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible.

Shortly after 6am, 94% of the Moon will be shrouded in the Earth’s shadow.

In Bern, the eclipse will begin at around 4.33am and reach its peak at around 6.12am, causing the Moon to take on a distinctive brick-red colour. At that point, however, the Moon will be just above the horizon, so mountains, hills and buildings may obstruct the view. An unobstructed view towards the west-south-west is required to observe the phenomenon.

The Moon will set at 6.51am, meaning the final stage of the eclipse – which will end about an hour later – will be invisible.

Lunar eclipses occur exclusively during a full moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned and the Moon passes through the shadow cast by the Earth. Depending on the Moon’s position, the eclipse may be total or, as in this case, partial.

No eye protection needed

Following the solar eclipse on August 12, Friday will therefore see another phenomenon linked to this orbital alignment. The two closely spaced events are, in fact, part of the same ‘eclipse season’.

This time, to observe the astronomical event, enthusiasts simply need to set their alarm for an early start and will be spared the frantic rush to find special viewing glasses. The lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye or through binoculars.

The Moon is a rocky natural satellite and does not produce its own light but reflects that of the Sun. Its brightness is therefore not sufficient to damage the eyes.

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Translated from Italian, reviewed by an English Department journalist.