Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse to Occur Tomorrow: Oman’s Visibility Limited

Oman to See Only Brief Penumbral Phase of Thursday’s Lunar Eclipse

Muscat: The world’s skies will witness a deep partial lunar eclipse at dawn tomorrow, Thursday, with approximately 93% of the Moon’s diameter expected to enter the Earth’s shadow.

The eclipse will approach totality, leaving only a small portion of the lunar disk directly illuminated by sunlight. In areas where the main phases are visible, the Moon is expected to take on a distinctive coppery-red or dark-red appearance.

Majid bin Mohammed Al-Farai, Director of Astronomical Projects at the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, said the global penumbral phase will begin at 5:24 AM Oman time, followed by the partial eclipse at 6:34 AM.

The eclipse will reach its peak at 8:13 AM, with the partial phase ending at 9:52 AM. All phases of the phenomenon are expected to conclude at 11:02 AM.

He explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to move through the Earth’s shadow. The depth of the eclipse varies depending on how far the Moon enters the shadow.

The upcoming event is classified as a deep partial lunar eclipse because the Moon will come very close to passing completely into the Earth’s shadow, making it appear similar to a total lunar eclipse in regions where the partial phase can be observed.

Limited Visibility in Oman

Al-Farai said visibility from the Sultanate of Oman will be very limited.

The penumbral phase will begin at approximately 5:24 AM, when the Moon will be low over the western horizon. However, the Moon will set at around 5:43 AM, well before the partial phase begins at 6:34 AM.

As a result, observers in Oman will not be able to witness the main and most prominent stage of the eclipse.

The penumbral phase produces only a subtle change in the Moon’s brightness and may be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye, particularly because it will occur close to the western horizon and around dawn.

Those wishing to observe the phenomenon are advised to choose open locations with a clear view towards the western horizon, away from buildings, mountains and other obstacles.

Lunar eclipses can be safely viewed with the naked eye, as well as through binoculars and telescopes.

The eclipse will be most clearly visible across parts of the Americas, Europe and Africa, where its main phases will occur during nighttime or before dawn. Visibility will be limited across large parts of Asia and the Middle East, including Oman.

The event is considered one of the deepest partial lunar eclipses in the coming years, offering observers in regions where the partial phase is visible an opportunity to see a predominantly coppery or dark-red lunar disk, with a bright illuminated band remaining along one edge.