New Jersey skywatchers will have something special to look for tonight as August’s full Sturgeon Moon coincides with a deep partial lunar eclipse.
The eclipse will begin late Thursday, August 27, and continue into the early hours of Friday, August 28. The best time to start watching in New Jersey will be around 10:33 p.m., with the greatest eclipse occurring at approximately 12:12 a.m.The full moon reaches its peak at 12:18 a.m. ET.
During the deepest part of the eclipse, most of the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, potentially giving it a darker reddish or copper appearance.
The eastern United States and Canada are among the best regions for viewing the event, although weather conditions and cloud cover could affect visibility in New Jersey tonight.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye. No special glasses are required, although binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer view.
August’s full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon, a name associated with the large lake sturgeon that were historically abundant in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this time of year.
The eclipse is expected to continue until shortly after 3 a.m. Friday, giving late-night skywatchers several hours to catch the event.
Source: ABC7 New York; U.S. Naval Observatory
By NJ RADAR Team