Jordan and much of the world will witness a rare total lunar eclipse next Sunday evening, beginning at moonrise and lasting approximately five hours and eight minutes, making it one of the longest eclipses in recent years, according to Ammar Al-Sakaji, President of the Jordanian Astronomical Society.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Sakaji explained that the peak of the eclipse will occur at 9:11 PM Jordan time, when the Moon reaches its deepest point in Earth’s shadow, taking on a coppery-red hue that will persist for 82 minutes.
Observers in Jordan will be able to follow most stages of the eclipse, particularly the total phase from 8:30 PM to 9:52 PM.
The stages are as follows:
Partial eclipse begins: 7:27 PM – the Moon enters the penumbra.
Total eclipse begins: 8:30 PM – the Moon fully enters Earth’s shadow.
Peak: 9:11 PM – deepest immersion in shadow.
Total phase ends: 9:52 PM.
Complete exit from shadow: 10:56 PM.
Al-Sakaji described the visual spectacle, noting that the Moon will appear like a living celestial painting, transitioning from silver to copper-red before returning to its usual brightness. The distinctive red color is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths and allows the red hues to reach the Moon, similar to sunrise or sunset effects.
He likened the Moon at totality to a “red lantern illuminating the quiet night”, encouraging viewers to marvel at the grandeur of the universe.
The eclipse will be visible across most continents, with around 60% of the global population able to witness all stages. Al-Sakaji urged astronomy enthusiasts and photographers in Jordan to capture this extraordinary event with cameras or smartphones. No special equipment is needed; the phenomenon is clearly visible to the naked eye.
He emphasized that lunar and solar eclipses are purely natural events, resulting from the celestial mechanics of planetary orbits, with no impact on human life, offering only a rare and beautiful cosmic display for reflection and wonder.
(Source: Al-Mamlaka)
