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 Lunar eclipse 2022: images of the only total solar eclipse of the year.


HELIOPSIS SUN. In the early morning hours of Monday, May 16, France was able to observe part of the total lunar eclipse. In the United States, however, the lunar eclipse was visible in its entirety, along with the full moon. 


From the night of Sunday, May 15, to Monday, May 16, 2022, an extraordinary event took place. We were able to observe a total lunar eclipse, an event that will not be repeated until 2029. The lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon and only takes place when the Moon is full. This perfect alignment deprived our planet's natural satellite of sunlight for a time. To see it, we had to get up early. But the magic of such a moment has to be earned. The eclipse lasted about five hours, from 3:32 to 8:50. Particularly on the Atlantic coast and in France, it was partially visible between 5:29 a.m. and 6:09 a.m., before sunrise. This was the most favorable time, as the moon was completely in Earth's shadow..... But the clouds might have spoiled the show in France.


During this eclipse, the moon was red. This color is due to the absence of sunlight. The red rays that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere are sent back to the Moon, creating the sunrises and sunsets we admire. The lunar eclipse was visible throughout Europe, the United States, South America, and the African continent, providing a dazzling and bloody spectacle. Stargazers on these continents observed a moon completely covered by the Earth's shadow and red in color (a phenomenon known as a blood moon, as explained later in the article).


Lunar eclipse 2022: images of the only total solar eclipse of the year.

© Ted S. Warren/AP/SIPA (published on 16/05/2022)

What was the lunar eclipse on 16 May like?


On Monday 16 May 2022, the Moon entered Earth's penumbra at 3:32 (CET) and the eclipse became fully visible at 5:29. The peak occurred at 6:11 am. At that time, the moon's disk, which was in the shadow of the Earth, glowed a bright pink to purple color, a phenomenon known as a "blood moon". At 8:50, the moon emerged from twilight.

What is a blood moon?

This phenomenon occurs only during total solar eclipses. When the moon enters the Earth's shadow, it turns red: this is the so-called blood moon phenomenon. "However, the longer wavelength (red) rays reach the moon, giving it a coppery color. This is the same phenomenon that colors sunsets," explains France 3 Région. The moon's red color varies depending on weather conditions and ranges from orange to bright red.

When will the next total lunar eclipse occur?

The next total lunar eclipse will take place on November 8, 2022, but it will only be visible from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. This summer in France you can enjoy a breathtaking starry sky with the Perseids and their shower of shooting stars during the now-famous Starry Night.

When will the next lunar eclipse occur in France?

The next fully visible lunar eclipse in France will not occur until December 20, 2029 ... But scientists predict an incredible spectacle during the night.

How do you observe a lunar eclipse?

If the sky is clear, a lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye (unlike a solar eclipse) and without the need for special equipment. It is recommended to be on a clear horizon and facing southwest. The observation point should be located away from light pollution (on a hill, on a beach, etc.). If you are in an area where clouds block the view, you can use a telescope, binoculars, or astronomical glasses, as in the case of the supermoon, to get an even better view of the lunar eclipse.

How do you photograph a lunar eclipse?

A standard 50 mm lens and longer focal length lenses (from 200 mm to 2700 mm on a full-frame sensor) can be used to capture the phenomenon. It is important to have a tripod to avoid a camera shake. Of course, it is best to use a telephoto lens to capture the full moon, but photographers with a shorter focal length can create an eclipse movie (different phases of the eclipse one after the other in a single photo). Since the light is weak during a lunar eclipse, it is necessary to set the camera to medium or high sensitivity, depending on the phase of the eclipse, and a wide aperture.

What is a lunar eclipse?

It is important to note that the astronomical phenomenon of a lunar eclipse is only possible when the Moon is full. A lunar eclipse can only occur when the Moon is in front of the Sun relative to the Earth and is in the full moon phase.

Lunar eclipse 2022: images of the only total solar eclipse of the year.

©UPI/Newscom/SIPA (published on 16/05/2022)

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the earth moves between the moon and the sun without the three stars being perfectly aligned. 


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