Partial Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible in Germany This Friday Morning

Attention all early risers! A partial lunar eclipse will occur on the morning of Friday, March 14, offering an exciting opportunity for skywatchers across Germany, weather permitting. However, the totality phase of the eclipse will not be visible in the German-speaking regions, according to the chairman of the Astronomical Society based in Bensheim, Uwe Pilz.

The eclipse will begin at 4:56 AM local time, with the moon entering the penumbral shadow. The moment the moon enters the umbral shadow, where the eclipse becomes visible, will occur at 6:09 AM. Unfortunately, by this time, the moon will be setting in the west, making it a race against the clock for observers.

Specific moonset times include 6:43 AM in Hamburg, 6:29 AM in Berlin, and 6:34 AM in Munich, meaning the moon will disappear from view shortly after the eclipse becomes evident.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this celestial event, clear skies will be crucial. Current forecasts from the German Weather Service (DWD) indicate that southern and southwestern regions are likely to experience heavy cloud cover. In contrast, areas in the north and northwest may have some breaks in the clouds, although it remains uncertain if these will be sufficient for viewing the eclipse.

In case you miss this lunar event, there is another opportunity on the horizon: a partial solar eclipse scheduled for March 29. The timing and extent of the solar eclipse will vary depending on location. In Hamburg, it will start at 11:25 AM and conclude at 1:09 PM. In Berlin, the eclipse will begin at 11:32 AM and end at 1:08 PM, while in Munich, the times are 11:27 AM to 12:56 PM.

As always, safety is paramount when observing solar phenomena. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as doing so can cause serious eye damage.