Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:33 pm by globalturbo
Take a break Saturday night, step outside and gaze up at the full Moon. The full Moon in July is called the Thunder Moon because of the frequency of thunderstorms during this hot, dry month. The Moon will turn precisely full during the nighttime hours on July 4-5, 2020, to present a Partial Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon. The Moon may turn slightly darker than a usual Full Moon for those in much of North and South America, and Africa during the maximum phase of this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. At greatest eclipse (July 5, 2020, at 04:30 UT) you might – or might not – note a subtle shading on the northern side of the lunar disk. Although visible from the Americas, this slight dimming of part of the Moon should be difficult or impossible to notice without instrumentation. On the night of July 4-5, there’s another astronomical event taking place that we all can see. This July full Moon will shine near on the sky’s dome to the very bright planet Jupiter, and also to the ringed planet Saturn. You need a telescope to see Saturn’s rings. But you’ll get a kick out of seeing Jupiter and Saturn close together. Pluto is also near Jupiter. Jupiter and Pluto were in conjunction on June 30, 2020. What’s more, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto are now at their best. Later this month, Earth will pass between each of these worlds and the Sun. Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto reach their oppositions, Jupiter on July 13-14, Pluto on July 15 and Saturn on July 20. Don’t miss these worlds near the Moon this weekend. The Moon will appear full for about three days around the eclipse from Friday evening into Monday morning, making this a full Moon weekend. Stay Tuned!
https://youtu.be/TktLFV3FR-w
