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Lunar eclipse covers most of Moon
A near-total partial eclipse was visible across much of the Americas, weather permitting.
What happened
People across the Americas and parts of Europe and Africa watched a near-total partial lunar eclipse overnight, as Earth’s shadow covered most of the full Moon. The event was visible without special equipment where skies were clear. In Spain, the Moon set before the partial phase ended in some regions.
Numbers
- 93%Moon covered in Spain — Maximum shadow coverage estimate
- 96%Moon covered over Mexico City — Local estimate at maximum
- 22:12Maximum eclipse in central Mexico — Local time
Questions
- What causes the darkened Moon?
- A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon align, placing Earth between sunlight and the lunar surface.
- Why could it be watched unaided?
- Unlike a solar eclipse, observers could look directly at the Moon because viewing it does not require protective glasses.
- Which regions had strongest view?
- The Americas were in the prime viewing area, while the Canary Islands offered a better view than mainland Spain.
- What affected Mexico City viewing?
- Forecast cloud and rain could obscure the Moon over Mexico City, though breaks could allow brief observations for some viewers.
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The catch
Coverage gives differing maximum-coverage estimates, and local cloud cover determined whether the eclipse was visible.
Visibility varied by location.