Skywatchers in the UK and worldwide are set for a treat with a penumbral lunar eclipse and the sighting of the rare 12P/Pons-Brooks comet. These celestial events offer a unique opportunity to observe the beauty of our universe.
Next week, skywatchers in the UK and other parts of the world including North and South America, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand will have the opportunity to observe a penumbral lunar eclipse. This astronomical event, set to occur on the night of March 24-25, is characterized by the Earth positioning itself between the sun and the moon, casting its outer shadow, the penumbra, onto the lunar surface. The eclipse will be visible from 4:53 am to 6:01 am, offering a subtle darkening of the moon rather than the dramatic reddish hue associated with total lunar eclipses. Observers are advised to use binoculars or a small telescope to enhance the experience and photographers to utilize a DSLR camera with a low ISO setting to capture the nuanced changes in the moon’s appearance.
In another celestial spectacle, a rare comet named 12P/Pons-Brooks is currently passing Earth, visible for the first time in 71 years. According to astronomers, the comet is becoming brighter as it gets closer to the sun, which turns its ice into gas, forming a long tail that extends for millions of miles. Although it may require binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view due to its faintness and prevailing light pollution, the comet is technically observable to the naked eye. Located below the Andromeda galaxy, with Jupiter as a nearby reference point, enthusiasts are encouraged to seek out dark skies for optimal viewing. For photography, a DSLR camera mounted on a tripod is recommended over phone cameras to effectively capture the comet’s faint image.
