A lunar eclipse is an impressive spectacle in the sky. Find out when the next lunar eclipse can be seen in Germany.
Munich – When the earth is between Sun and moon positioned and the Earth’s shadow crossing the Moon is one lunar eclipse visible wherever the moon can be seen in the sky. During the entire 21st century, 85 total and 57 partial lunar eclipses are expected.
Watching a lunar eclipse has a unique charm: with the naked eye you can see how the Earth’s shadow gradually spreads across the moon’s surface. It is fascinating to experience this celestial mechanics directly: the sun illuminates the earth, which casts its shadow into space. The Full moon moves through this shadow and becomes dark for a short time. Depending on how the shadow hits the moon’s surface, a partial or total lunar eclipse occurs; a barely visible penumbral eclipse is also possible.
A lunar eclipse can only occur during a full moon
Since a lunar eclipse only occurs when the moon is full, you often have to get up in the middle of the night to admire this celestial phenomenon. As opposed to observing one Solar eclipse No aids are required during a lunar eclipse. As soon as the Earth’s shadow has “nibbled” part of the moon’s surface, this can also be seen with the naked eye.
However, small binoculars can support the observation well and the lunar eclipse can be fully appreciated in the telescope. In contrast to observing the sun, a protective film is not necessary for this – however, the full moon can be uncomfortably bright in the telescope as long as it is not yet sufficiently darkened. In this case, a moon filter is recommended.
When can the next solar eclipse be seen in Germany?
In the years up to 2030, several lunar eclipses will be visible from Germany. A look at the table reveals when the next solar eclipse will be visible in Germany:
| partial lunar eclipse, only a little eclipse in Germany |
| partial lunar eclipse, only a little eclipse in Germany |
| total lunar eclipse, only visible as a partial eclipse in Germany |
| total lunar eclipse, in Germany the moon rises completely eclipsed |
| Partial lunar eclipse, in Germany the moon is largely obscured shortly before moonset |
| Partial penumbral eclipse – only the penumbra falls over the moon |
| Partial lunar eclipse, the moon is only slightly obscured by the earth’s shadow |
| Partial lunar eclipse, in Germany the darkening occurs before the moon rises |
| total lunar eclipse, in Germany totality begins shortly after the moon has risen |
| total lunar eclipse, in Germany the moon sets during totality |
| total lunar eclipse, perfectly visible in Germany |
| Partial lunar eclipse, in Germany the moon is about half obscured |
| Source: timeanddate.com |
Unique phenomenon during a total lunar eclipse: the “blood moon”
A phenomenon that only occurs during a total lunar eclipse is also clearly visible to the naked eye: the so-called “blood moon”. It occurs when the full moon is completely darkened. Then the little sunlight that still reaches the moon is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. Mainly long-wave red light still penetrates and reaches the moon – which glows reddish during totality and is called the “blood moon” or “rust moon”. However, this phenomenon does not occur during a partial lunar eclipse. (tab)
Machine assistance was used for this article written by the editorial team. The article was carefully checked by editor Tanja Banner before publication.