A lunar eclipse, an astronomical event when the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, will occur tonight, Nov. 8, and Manila will be able to see the totality by about 6 p.m.
According to the astronomical diary of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the phenomenon is predicted to be visible in Manila as the moon enters its totality by 6:16 p.m. The moon will be in its greatest totality by 6:59 p.m. and exiting by 7:42 p.m.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the sun, earth, and moon line up so that the entire moon enters the "umbra," the deepest region of the earth's shadow. Sometimes referred to as a "blood moon," it takes on a reddish hue once it enters the umbra.
This last total lunar eclipse for this year would also be the last one in three years. So pack up your bags now—binoculars and/or telescopes included—-and witness the phenomenon with your loved ones at Rizal Park for a “Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing” hosted by the Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc. There will also be a viewing at the Manila Observatory but slots are already full as of writing. The phenomenon will also be available for viewing through their Facebook Livestream on their page.
For those who would be too far away from the said venue, they also recommend the following public observation sites to try:
- QUEZON CITY (UP Astronomical Society)
- Venue: PAGASA Astronomical Observatory
- Set up time: starts at 6:00 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/j518tCELfhe49egz5
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/upastrosoc
- LAS PIÑAS CITY (Skywatchers Society of Las Piñas)
- Venue: Robinsons Las Piñas - Level 2, Verandah Area
- Set up time: starts at 6:00 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZZB17ah2cYuMJzqK7
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/SkywatchersSocietyofLasPinas
- TAYTAY, RIZAL (Dipper Co. and Manila Street Astronomers)
- Venue: Kape-Hingahan Parking Grounds
- Set up time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6nqFHhQTiGpFEqSk9
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/dipperco
- CAVITE CITY, CAVITE (Cavite Sky Observers)
- Venue: Unlad Park
- Set up time: starts at 5:00 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/cBSCt76QKiWhc7y79
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/CaviteSkyObservers2020
- IMUS, CAVITE (Cavite Sky Observers)
- Venue: SM Center Imus
- Set up time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Map: https://g.page/sm-center-imus-smim?share
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/CaviteSkyObservers2020
- NOVELETA, CAVITE (Cavite Sky Observers)
- Venue: Long Beach Resort
- Set up time: starts at 5:00 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/qfmeWAMnwuuarj9s8
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/CaviteSkyObservers2020
- SAN PABLO CITY, LAGUNA (7 Lakes Astronomy)
- Venue: Bonifacio Statue at Sampaloc Lake
- Set up time: starts at 5:30 p.m.
- Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ghETKHmTgcWtjfMF8
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/7LakesAstronomy
- SILANG, CAVITE (Cavite Sky Observers)
- Venue: Wings and Fries Maguyam
- Set up time: 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgsLfaJHLdNmmRJs6
- More details: https://web.facebook.com/CaviteSkyObservers2020
