Message to early birds… or night owls. A flamboyant astronomical phenomenon will occur overnight on Monday, May 16: a total lunar eclipse. The Earth satellite will then be donned in its finest orange robes. And good news, the event will be visible from mainland France.
The total solar eclipse will occur when the full moon is exactly opposite the sun in relation to the earth. Thus placed in the shadow of our planet, the satellite will darken little by little until it becomes a blazing star. Simply lit by the rays of the sun caressing the earth’s surface and piercing the atmosphere.
If this alignment of the stars occurs twice a year, the phenomenon has not been visible in the French sky since 2019. This time, the eclipse will be perfectly visible from the Americas, and partially in Africa and Europe. With us it takes place shortly before the moon sets, that is, just before sunrise.
And good news, this type of eclipse is perfectly visible to the naked eye. Not only does it pose no danger to the retina unlike solar eclipses, but the color variations are intense enough to be admired without equipment. However, if you have binoculars or a telescope, don’t hesitate to use them, events like this don’t happen every four mornings.
Astronomy enthusiasts, don’t forget to set your alarm clock ahead on Monday 16 May.