The first of the three lunar eclipses of the year 2013 will occur on April 25-26. It is one of the major celestial event of the year which is likely to keep astronomers and astrologers busy for the next few days.
The prenumbral lunar eclipse is a phenomenon when the Moon only enters the penumbra of the Earth.
During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the brightness of the Moon is only marginally reduced. While it is difficult to gauge by the naked eye the change in brightness can be recorded accurately by a camera.
This is the third shortest partial eclipse of the Moon for the 21st century, lasting just 27 minutes. The next shortest partial lunar eclipse of the 21st century will be on February 13, 2082, lasting only 25.5 minutes.
The lunar eclipse in various phases will begin at 11.32 pm on April 25 and end at 03.43 am on April 26. The noticeable Umbra phase will begin at 1.22 am and end at 1.53 am. Middle of eclipse, or when it is maximum, will occur at 1.37 am.
The eclipse will be visible in the following regions:
• Parts of Europe
• Parts of Asia
• East Australia
• Parts of Africa
• East ofNorth America
• East of South America
• The Indian Ocean
Note: Star gazers do not need protective eye equipment to observe a lunar eclipse unlike a solar eclipse.
