This Friday, November 19, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible for approximately 1.5 hours in Hong Kong. Although it is the longest such eclipse of the century, the maximum eclipse stage will have ended by moonrise on the day (5:38pm) and the event will be visible starting at 6:47pm.
A partial lunar eclipse is when the Earth goes between the sun and moon in an imperfect line. From Earth, we experience our shadow covering part of the moon and sometimes, making it appear red.
The last lunar eclipse until a total lunar eclipse on November 8, 2022, this event can be viewed best in places with unobstructed views to the east, such as Tai Au Mun in the southern part of Clearwater Bay. Places in the northeastern part of Hong Kong are also recommended, such as Sai Kung Pier, Tai Mei Tuk near Plover Cove Reservoir, High Island Reservoir or the Hong Kong Space Museum’s Astropark. Hong Kong Observatory will also be doing a public webcast.
What’s the best way to appreciate this special astronomy event? No special equipment is required to view a lunar eclipse, but binoculars or small telescopes will help one get a closer view of it. To capture a lunar eclipse on camera, one can use special photography techniques and equipment or even a smartphone on a tripod. Indeed, expect to see amateur photographers drawn out en masse.