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The third penumbral lunar eclipse of 2020 is set to appear on today, 5 July, starting 08:37 am . In a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and the moon are imperfectly aligned, where the Earth blocks some of the sun’s light from reaching the Moon’s surface and covers all or a part of the Moon with its outer shadow, also known as the penumbra.
The eclipse today has also been dubbed as the “Thunder Moon”or “Buck Moon” since it coincides with the season when male deers loose their antlers. The eclipse also marks a special significance in North America as the United States will be celebrating its 244th year of Independence on the eclipse weekend on 4 July.
The penumbral lunar eclipse or chandra grahan means that the moon will travel through the faint penumbral portion of Earth’s shadow.
South/West Europe, much of Africa, much of North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica will be able to witness the phenomenon. However, it may be difficult to see witness the eclipse in India since it will occur during the day.
You can watch the lunar eclipse through the naked eyes as it is perfectly safe to watch the moon at night. People can also catch live streaming of the lunar eclipse live at www.timeanddate.com.
Popular YouTube channels including Slooh and the website Virtual Telescope will be live streaming the eclipse. You should be also be able to watch the eclipse without any special equiment but these live streaming chanels will deliver the best visiuals.
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