A partial lunar eclipse. (underworld111 / iStock)
Earth is about to take a bite out of the moon. Well, more like a nibble.
Sky gazers will be treated to not only a full supermoon on Tuesday night — the second of three in a row — but also a partial lunar eclipse.
And for once, this celestial event will take place at a decent hour before most people have gone to sleep.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the entire moon passes into Earth’s umbral shadow. Partial lunar eclipses occur when only a portion of the moon enters the umbra. (ttsz / iStock)
Lunar eclipses happen when Earth comes between the sun and the moon and casts a shadow on the moon.
Depending on how these three orbs line up, the moon will either: pass entirely into shadow for a total lunar eclipse, or only a portion of it will darken for a partial eclipse, which is what’s happening Tuesday.
And by partial, we mean 10% of the moon will be in shadow. What does that look like? Adler Planetarium created this handy graphic:
This month’s full moon also happens to be a supermoon. Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit.
The next total lunar eclipse visible in Chicago will take place on March 14, 2025.
WHERE CAN I WATCH?
Unlike the recent solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are far more user-friendly — there’s no fancy path of totality turning parts of the country into the equivalent of luxury VIP boxes.
Anyone in North America can enjoy Tuesday’s lunar show from their own home, and it will look the same in Chicago as it does in New York or Los Angeles (caveat: Cloud cover can always spoil the view).
WHEN’S KICKOFF?
What this partial eclipse lacks in terms of dazzling visual effects it more than makes up for in convenience.
The show starts at 7:41 p.m., and the eclipse will reach its maximum point at 9:44 p.m. The whole thing will be over by 11:47 p.m., which is about as considerate as lunar eclipses get.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
