Astronomical spectacle: Central America prepares for a partial lunar eclipse this August 27th
The night sky gives us an unmissable event. On the night of Thursday, August 27, 96.2% of the Moon will be hidden under the Earth’s shadow, offering a partial lunar eclipse that will graze totality. This phenomenon, the last of its kind this year, will be visible in its entirety from all of Central America, allowing the region’s inhabitants to enjoy a top-tier astronomical display.
Alofoke Deportes presents the key details so you don’t miss this event, where our natural satellite will adopt copper and reddish tones, a fascinating visual effect caused by the interaction of sunlight with the Earth’s atmosphere.
Schedules and visibility in the region
The privileged geographical location of Central America facilitates observation. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize share the UTC−6 time zone, while Panama operates under UTC−5, one hour ahead of the rest.
- Penumbral phase: Begins at 7:23 p.m. (8:23 p.m. in Panama). It is the start of the process, although the darkening is subtle.
- Partial phase: Starts at 8:33 p.m. (9:33 p.m. in Panama), the moment when the umbra begins to visibly cover the lunar disk.
- Maximum point: At 10:12 p.m. (11:12 p.m. in Panama), 96.2% of the Moon will be submerged in the shadow, reaching its most intense reddish hue.
- Conclusion: The partial phase concludes at 11:52 p.m. (12:52 a.m. in Panama), and the eclipse ends completely at 1:01 a.m. on Friday the 28th (2:01 a.m. in Panama).
Why does the Moon take on reddish tones?
Although the eclipse does not reach totality, the characteristic reddish color does not depend on it, but rather on atmospheric physics. When sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, short-wavelength colors like blue and violet are scattered, while long wavelengths, such as red and orange, manage to reach the lunar surface. This phenomenon, often compared to a “Blood Moon,” will also depend on atmospheric conditions; the greater the presence of dust or suspended particles, the deeper the coppery tone observed.
Recommendations to enjoy the event
Unlike solar eclipses, this event does not pose any risk to visual health. Therefore, no type of eye protection or special filters is required to observe the phenomenon directly.
- Location: Look for a place with a clear horizon and away from city light pollution.
- Equipment: Although it can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or telescopes will allow you to observe the progress of the shadow over the lunar craters in greater detail.
- Photography: If you plan to capture the moment with your mobile device, using a tripod or a firm surface is essential to avoid blurry images due to low lighting.
The main observation window will extend for a little over three hours, providing enough time for astronomy enthusiasts throughout the region to follow the path of the shadow across the lunar disk until it reaches its peak at 10:12 p.m.
