Two phenomena in one night: On May 16, 2022, the blood moon also appears during a total lunar eclipse.
Munich – The total lunar eclipse has fascinated mankind for centuries. An omen of doom, or – in spiritual terms – negative energies to guard against. Depending on the weather, the phenomenon can be observed well.
During the total lunar eclipse, the earth moves right between the moon and the sun. It then appears darkened in the sky – after all, the sun can no longer shine on it. A total lunar eclipse only occurs when the moon is full. Then the moon loses its characteristic white glow.
Blood moon at the total lunar eclipse – that’s behind it
However, it is not completely in the dark: the sun’s rays, which are reflected by other celestial bodies, including the earth, still reach the moon. The red elements of the light are refracted the slowest: A strip around the moon then appears red, sometimes the whole moon looks like a red disk.
In the vernacular, this phenomenon is also called “blood moon” – and evoked even more sinister associations in our ancestors. Good news for fans of the celestial phenomena: If the weather is good, the lunar eclipse can also be admired in May 2022 without a telescope.
Total lunar eclipse over Germany: This is how it will end in May 2022
The spectacle really begins at around 2.30 am, German time: Then the earth’s penumbra begins to move in front of the moon. And the darkening of the moon begins.
The actual lunar eclipse then begins an hour later: from around 3.30 a.m. the umbra of the earth also moves over the moon. Now the moon is getting darker and darker and takes on its reddish glow. Another hour later the moon is already low on the horizon. The total lunar eclipse has been reached: around 4.30 a.m. the shadow of the earth is completely in front of the moon.
Until the moon then disappears below the horizon – about an hour later – the complete lunar eclipse can be seen from Germany.
Total lunar eclipse and blood moon on May 16, 2022: How to prepare for the sky spectacle
Moon fans should get up early and definitely set an alarm clock in the night from Sunday to Monday.
Tips for observing the total lunar eclipse in May 2022:
- weather report check and pack appropriate clothing
- Ensure a clear view of the moon
- Choose a dark observation point
- Wait for your eyes to adjust to the darkness
- Light sources – such as smartphones – no longer use
Total lunar eclipse in May 2022: blood moon, shooting stars and other celestial phenomena
The total lunar eclipse is a rare spectacle. It does happen a few hundred times a century, more often than, say, a solar eclipse. But those who manage to get out of bed are usually rewarded – provided the sky is clear.
The next sky spectacles after the lunar eclipse in 2022: the shooting star showers of the Eta Aquarids or the Lyrids. They always appear at the same time every year and can also often be observed from Germany.(cat)
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