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A partial eclipse is when the earth moves between the sun and the moon, but the three bodies do not form a straight line. This causes a part of the moon's surface to be covered by the darkest and central part of the earth's shadow.
If weather conditions are clear in Dubai into the late hours of July 16, the entire eclipse will be visible. "We should encourage people to enjoy this event, as we will have the next lunar eclipse on May 26, 2021. In 2020, we will have only a penumbral eclipse. Lunar eclipse gives you the opportunity to observe it through the naked eye. It is not dangerous to look directly at the moon during a lunar eclipse because it does not give off its own light," Hasan Al Hariri, CEO of the Dubai Astronomy Group, told Khaleej Times. "Observing the lunar eclipse is a powerful and humbling experience."
"These eclipses have huge significance, as every time it happens in a different place with a different style and duration. This gives us the opportunity to study the minute details of the pattern of the solar system and accuracy of the universe."
The eclipse will also be visible in other parts of the world, including much of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South/East/North America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
No, lunar eclipse is not a bad omen
Al Hariri also advised residents not to fall for hoax messages circulating on social media, which suggest that lunar eclipses can have a "negative impact" on a person's life.
The Dubai Astronomy Group has often advised residents not to buy into superstitions that suggest certain astronomical events "mean chaos or the end of the world". "This phenomenon will not have any effect or impact on anybody, anything and any behaviour on earth."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
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