How to view the Strawberry Moon Eclipse on Friday evening
We're praying for good weather!
What a week it's been for astronomers, both professional and amateurs, on Saturday we had the joint SpaceX/NASA launch of Crew Dragon, which took two astronauts to the International Space Station.
That was shortly followed by SpaceX's launch full of more Starlink satellites, and now, all being well, stargazers should get a chance to see a Strawberry Moon Eclipse on Friday evening (5th June).
What is a Strawberry Moon?
Well, despite it's name, don't expect to see a strawberry-coloured moon, a Strawberry Moon gets its name from the beginning of strawberry picking season! The name Strawberry Moon is more commonly used in the USA, however it is also used here, along with Rose Moon, although other countries might call it a Hot Moon after the summer heat we should get in June.
The Strawberry Moon (June full moon) is set to rise in the UK on Friday evening at around 9pm, you can find out the exact time on this website.
When is the Strawberry Moon Eclipse?
Depending on where you are in the world you may not be able to see the eclipse, and even if you can, it be might not be immediately obvious. However, luckily, most of the UK will be able to see a penumbral lunar eclipse - weather permitting.
According to Timeanddate.com, a penumbral lunar eclipse is when, 'The Earth blocks some of the Sun's light from directly reaching the moon's surface and covers all or part of the moon with the outer part of its shadow, also known as the penumbra.'
Therefore, we should expect the moon to be slightly dimmer than it normally is, however not significantly dimmer like during a total lunar eclipse.
Here in the UK, when the moon rises in the evening it will already partially eclipsed, with the eclipse ending at around 10pm UK time.
WATCH: NASA explains how a Lunar Eclipse happens
Although we aren't expecting the moon to be red as its name implies, because it will be rising when it is eclipsed, it may appear subtle orange, yellow or even pink colours.
If you aren't lucky enough to fall in the area where the eclipse is visible, you'll be able to watch in online.
And don't worry if you miss this eclipse altogether, we're due to have another penumbral lunar eclipse next month, on the 5th July 2020.
Now take a look through our tips on how to view shooting stars:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
Now take a look at how to view the Starlink satellites.