August is shaping up to be an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts, with two major eclipses scheduled just over two weeks apart. While South Africa will miss the year’s total solar eclipse, residents across the country will still have the opportunity to witness a spectacular deep partial lunar eclipse before the month ends.
The first event will take place on 12 August, when a total solar eclipse crosses parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and sections of the North Atlantic and Arctic. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun, completely covering the Sun for observers located within the narrow path of totality.
Unfortunately, South Africa falls well outside the visibility zone for both the total and partial phases of this eclipse, meaning local skywatchers will have to follow the event through online livestreams if they wish to experience it.
Anyone travelling to regions where the eclipse is visible should remember that viewing the Sun without certified solar filters or eclipse glasses can result in permanent eye damage.
South Africa’s turn comes on 28 August
The second eclipse will be much better news for local observers.
In the early hours of Friday, 28 August, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across South Africa, offering one of the country’s most impressive astronomical displays of the year.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface. Because observers are viewing reflected sunlight rather than looking directly at the Sun, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch without protective equipment.
During this event, approximately 96% of the Moon will pass into Earth’s darkest shadow, creating a dramatic appearance. Although a small section of the Moon will remain illuminated, much of the lunar surface is expected to take on a reddish-orange colour as sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere.
The eclipse will not technically qualify as a total lunar eclipse or “blood moon”, but it is expected to deliver a striking visual display.
Best viewing times across South Africa
According to the predicted timetable, the Moon will first enter Earth’s faint outer shadow at around 3:23am SAST, with the partial phase beginning at approximately 5:12am. Maximum eclipse is expected at about 6:12am.
Viewing conditions will depend heavily on location because the Moon will be setting shortly after maximum eclipse.
In Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Durban and Gqeberha, the eclipse will be visible, although the Moon will appear very low above the western horizon during the final stages.
Astronomy enthusiasts hoping for the best possible view are encouraged to find elevated locations with a completely unobstructed western horizon. Clear skies will also be essential, as even low cloud near the horizon could obscure the most dramatic moments of the eclipse.
For many South Africans, the event will provide a rare opportunity to witness one of the year’s most impressive celestial phenomena without leaving the country.
Source: South African.