Time to start looking for that telescope in your garage.
Next weekend the “Beaver Moon Eclipse” will be visible from North America and, according to Forbes, it will be the fullest lunar eclipse of the year.
What is the ‘Beaver Moon Eclipse?’
Eclipses of any kind can only occur when the Earth, Sun and Moon are in alignment. The type of eclipse will vary depending on the position of the celestial orbs.
The upcoming “Beaver Moon Eclipse” is classified as a penumbral lunar eclipse. According to EarthSky.org, a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon and, “the more diffuse outer shadow of the Earth – its penumbra – falls on the moon’s face.”
Penumbral eclipses are more subtle and much more common than total solar and lunar eclipses. According to Travel and Leisure, three other (less complete) penumbral eclipses have already happened in 2020.
During the upcoming “Beaver Moon Eclipse,” a large portion of the Moon’s surface — about 83% of it — will pass behind Earth’s outer shadow. In a clear sky, the upcoming “Beaver Moon” will remain completely visible but it will briefly appear to abandon its white glow, Forbes reports.
When is it happening?
According to Travel and Leisure, the eclipse will take place on the evening of Sunday, November 29, 2020 through the early hours of Monday, November 30, 2020.
The site reports that eclipse will begin at 12:32 a.m. MST, culminate at 2:42 a.m. and conclude around 4:53 a.m.
Why is it called a ‘Beaver Moon?’
Forbes reports that all full Moons have assumed cultural nicknames that are usually associated with some aspect of nature, the weather or agriculture. According to the site, these epithets have recently burgeoned in popularity by way of the internet.
November’s full Moon is referred to as the “Beaver Moon,” because beaver trapping season peaks in November in North America. This month’s full Moon is also known as the “Oak Moon,” Frosty Moon” and the “Mourning Moon.”
Are there any other eclipses coming up?
The upcoming penumbral eclipse the the first of two events in this year’s final “eclipse season,” Forbes reports.
A rare total solar eclipse will take place on Dec. 14, but it will only be visible from southern Chile and Argentina.
The good news is, the whole thing is going to be live streamed so we’ll all be able to enjoy the resplendent cosmic event from the comfort of our couches.