From the solar eclipse to the lunar: Lanzarote will experience a new astronomical phenomenon this month of August

The next August 28, a partial lunar eclipse will take place, visible in Lanzarote, as well as in the rest of Spain. Despite not being a "blood moon," some reddish and orange hues will be observable.

Just 16 days after the observation of the solar eclipse with visibility of up to 77% in Lanzarote, the interception of the Earth between the two celestial bodies will cause it to block sunlight and the Moon to cast its shadow. Unlike solar eclipses, which always occur during a new moon, lunar eclipses occur exclusively during a full moon and usually happen continuously, between two and five times a year, according to the National Geographic Institute.

Visibility 

Lanzarote will enjoy 93% visibility. As it is not a total eclipse, it is not considered a "blood moon," but some reddish and orange hues will be observable. This phenomenon occurs, according to NASA, because the atmosphere filters the projected colors and bluish hues are deflected, generating the so-called "blood moon" that projects the red and orange colors that can be perfectly enjoyed during a total eclipse. This same effect is what makes sunsets appear in these same hues.

Times and Protection

For the observation of this event, no protective glasses are needed; it can be viewed with the naked eye and causes no damage to our retina as we are not looking directly at any sun rays. Furthermore, as with solar eclipses, it should be viewed in a clear sky and towards the horizon. 

In Lanzarote, the Moon will begin this process on the early morning of August 28 at 03:34, gradually increasing until it reaches its maximum point at 05:12. Likewise, it will end almost two hours later, at 06:52 in the morning. 

Types 

There are up to three types of lunar eclipses. It is a total eclipse when it generates the so-called "blood moon" by blocking the total sunlight and projecting the Earth's shadow. Partial visibility occurs due to the lack of perfect alignment, as it does not cover the entire moon and projects very faint reddish hues. The last type that can be observed is penumbral, when the Moon enters the Earth's faint shadow, the so-called penumbral zone.