A total lunar eclipse, during which the moon will take on an uncommon coppery-red hue, will be visible in Hong Kong on May 26 (Wednesday). The lunar eclipse is best observed at places with an unobstructed view in the east-southeast direction if weather permits. The Hong Kong Space Museum will live stream the lunar eclipse during 7pm to 9pm that evening.
The eclipse will have already begun when the moon rises in the east at 6.56pm that evening. The total eclipse phase will kick in at 7.11pm when the moon enters the Earth's shadow completely, which will last for about 15 minutes. As the moon will be quite low, which is just about two to five degrees above the southeastern horizon at the time of the total lunar eclipse, the Museum recommends a site with an unobstructed view to the east-southeast for observation.
The Museum will live stream the total lunar eclipse via its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/hkspacem). Curators will share interesting tidbits related to lunar eclipses, including the "super moon", and the fascinating science behind the moon, the Earth's sole natural satellite. The public is also encouraged to visit the Edutainment Channel of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/academy/page_74.html), "LCSD Plusss" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LCSDPlusss) and the Museum's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkspacem) to observe the lunar eclipse in parallel.
A lunar eclipse is one of the most easily observable astronomical events. It occurs only during the full moon, around the fifteenth day of a lunar month when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon in space. However, a lunar eclipse is not visible at every full moon because the paths of the sun and the moon do not lie on the same plane. It is only when the sun, the Earth and the moon are aligned in such a way that the Earth's shadow falls on the moon can a lunar eclipse come about. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, its blue component is scattered away. The remaining red component is eventually refracted to the lunar surface. Therefore, the moon always assumes a remarkable red tint at the time of a lunar eclipse.
During observation of an astronomical event, please comply with the latest anti-epidemic measures, maintain social distancing and stay vigilant with regards to personal hygiene. Details of the lunar eclipse are available at the website (hk.space.museum/en_US/web/spm/exhibition/specialexhibition/2021-astronomical-events.html) and the current issue of the Museum's newsletter (hk.space.museum/documents/2178963/2179286/Newsletter2021_02r.pdf). In addition, the Museum has made a simulation video of the total lunar eclipse. For details, please visit youtu.be/adtSsRtXS1o.
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