From the Astronomical Observatory of the National University of Bogotá, the partial lunar eclipse of this August 27 was observed. The weather conditions allowed the natural satellite to be seen partially covered by the shadow cast by the Earth.
According to the National Geographic Institute of Spain, a lunar eclipse is a “phenomenon by which the Earth prevents sunlight from reaching the Moon, generating a cone of shadow that darkens the Moon.”
Regarding the characteristic red color that the Moon adopts, the institute stated that “the fully eclipsed Moon acquires a characteristic reddish color due to the scattering of light refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere.”
The same report reveals that there are different types of eclipses, in which the shadow cast by the Earth is divided into two zones: umbra and penumbra. In the first, solar radiation does not reach directly, while in the second, sunlight is only partially blocked.
Depending on the zone where the Moon is located, eclipses can be total, partial, or penumbral. A total eclipse occurs when the entire Moon enters the umbra; it is partial when only part of the satellite is within it, according to the institute.
On the other hand, during a penumbral eclipse, the Moon only passes through the Earth’s penumbra, so the change in its brightness is much more subtle and may be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
Reports from Medellín indicate that the cloudiness did not allow the Moon to be seen with a reddish tone.
Reports on social media show some photographs of people who waited to see the special astronomical phenomenon.
According to the Timeanddate platform, the next eclipse that will be seen in Colombia will be on February 20, 2027.
Eclipse from Cartagena
The astronomical phenomenon could also be distinguished from the capital of Bolívar, as well as its distinctive coloration,
Raúl Andrés García Suárez.
Últimas Noticias Editorial.
raugar@eltiempo.com