Twice a year, a full moon transforms, treating anyone lucky enough to be in the viewing zone to a beautiful spectacle - a lunar eclipse. There are three kinds of lunar eclipses. On November 8, North Yarmouth residents will be able to watch the most interesting type, a total eclipse.
For anyone whose internal clock has not fully adjusted to the time change, Tuesday morning offers an opportunity to see an event that will not happen again for more than two years. The next time North Yarmouth will be able to see a total lunar eclipse will be March 15, 2025.
The eclipse will start at 3:02 am EST. Totality will begin at 5:17 am EST, and the eclipse will reach its maximum at 5:59 am EST. The forecast is for mostly clear skies, so bring a jacket and step outside to enjoy the “Blood Moon” before heading off to cast your ballot at Wescustogo Hall.
As the moon enters Earth’s full shadow, or umbra, it will seem as if the moon is vanishing. The portion of the moon within the umbra will look very dark. The origin of the nickname for a total lunar eclipse comes from what happens next. As the eclipse progresses and the moon fully enters the Earth’s umbra, it will transform to a coppery-red.
No special equipment or precautions are needed to watch the event. Binoculars or a telescope can be used for better viewing. If photographing the eclipse, extending exposure and using a tripod is recommended.
The full eclipse cycle lasts for several hours, with the moon leaving the umbra at 6:42 am EST. However, the moon will set at 6:32 am EST. Anyone who wants to see the entire event, or cannot view it outside, can watch online. Timeanddate.com offers livestreaming, https://youtu.be/BjKUlaGmE2g. Or join astronomers at Lowell Observatory, https://youtu.be/DsXS3iDs0yA.