Penumbra Eclipse of January 10, 2020

 

Photographer: Anthony Ayiomamitis  

Summary Author: Anthony Ayiomamitis

Although total lunar eclipses are stunning events, partial eclipses involving the Earth's penumbra are often considered not worthy of observation since the minute changes in the apparent magnitude of the Moon are barely visible to the ground-based observer (if at all). However, the penumbral eclipse in early 2020 (January 10, 2020) was sufficiently deep to not only allow for an event visible to the naked eye but permitted for the observation of the penumbral shadow's movement across the Moon.

Shown above is a long time series set of images observed from Athens, Greece with exposures every 30 minutes and centered on the Wolf Moon at maximum eclipse (depth 91%). Although not visible with the unaided eye, we can detect the first indication (photographically) of an eclipse easily an hour prior to and an hour after the eclipse maximum. You can effectively follow the developing shadow from right to left – in both the top and bottom rows. For more details about this eclipse click here.

 

Athens, Greece Coordinates: 37.9838, 23.7275

Related Links:

Difference in Brightness of a Penumbral Eclipse