News: 'Penumbral eclipse' to be seen Monday night - Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines – Sky observers in the Philippines and several countries around the world are in for a delight on Monday night as they can expect to witness the first penumbral eclipse of the moon in 2009, state astronomical observers said.

In its Astronomical Diary, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the penumbral eclipse of the moon “begins when the moon enters the penumbra [shadow of the earth] at 8:36 p.m. and ends the following morning at 12:39 a.m."

Pagasa also noted that the eclipse will likewise be observed in Australia, eastern Asia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Alaska, and the western parts of Canada and the US .

In an interview on dzBB radio, Pagasa astronomical observation unit’s Charito Sarate said that in a penumbral eclipse, “the moon will only be slightly darkened."

Last January 26, Filipinos witnessed the annular eclipse of the sun, with the moon casting its shadow on the Earth as it lined directly with the sun.

* I can't wait to see the eclipse later. I had watched it before when I was still young and very curious. So, I will inform my friends about this and probably would go outside the house and watch it with them. *