OHIO VALLEY — Skywatchers across the Ohio Valley could see the moon take on a reddish appearance early Friday morning as a partial lunar eclipse coincides with August’s full moon.
The full moon is expected to officially arrive at 12:18 a.m. Friday. August’s full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name tied to the time of year when sturgeon were historically easier to catch. It has also been referred to as the Corn Moon and Black Cherries Moon.
This week’s event will be especially notable because the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, producing a partial lunar eclipse and potentially giving much of the lunar surface the red or copper appearance commonly associated with a “blood moon.”
The eclipse is expected to begin around 10:33 p.m. Thursday as the moon enters Earth’s lighter outer shadow, known as the penumbra. As the eclipse progresses, the moon will move deeper into the darker portion of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
Maximum eclipse is expected around 12:13 a.m. Friday, when approximately 96% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s shadow. The moon will then gradually brighten as it moves out of the shadow, with the eclipse expected to conclude around 1:52 a.m.
For viewers in the Ohio Valley, cloud cover could determine how much of the eclipse is visible. Partly to mostly cloudy conditions are possible, but any breaks in the clouds could provide opportunities to see the moon near the height of the eclipse.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye. No special glasses or viewing equipment are required.
