2020: From Vietnam contemplate 3 times of lunar eclipse, 1 eclipse

After the last beautiful eclipse of the century occurred in late December 2019, Vietnamese people have the opportunity to admire the moon and the sun miraculously 4 times.

By 11 am Vietnamese time , when the moon of the 17th lunar day is still quite round, a shaded shadow will cover most of the earth's only natural satellite. The lunar eclipse begins at 07:7, peaks at 2:10 and ends at 4:12 . This is a " semi-dark lunar eclipse" , which is quite difficult to observe.

Picture 1 of 2020: From Vietnam contemplate 3 times of lunar eclipse, 1 eclipse
The map of Time and Date shows that Vietnam is completely in the lunar eclipse (highlighted in red) - (photo: TIME AND DATE).

There are two main types of lunar eclipse.One is a "blood moon" lunar eclipse , when the sun, the earth and the moon are almost aligned, the moon completely enters the dark region of the earth and turns red. The second is a "half-moon lunar eclipse", which means the moon only reaches the edge of the shadow of the earth, which is only half dark; The observer sees the moon as covered by a translucent shadow, which is usually gray or sometimes orange in color. Both types can be total or partial lunar eclipses.

Picture 2 of 2020: From Vietnam contemplate 3 times of lunar eclipse, 1 eclipse
Graphic images to help distinguish the lunar eclipse type - the blood moon - is when the moon is in the solid black (red-brown) part of the earth;while a half-moon lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is in the half-dark area (highlighted in blue) - (photo: F.Espenak).

The second lunar eclipse is also a semi-dark lunar eclipse , which will start at 0: 45 minutes on June 6 When it peaks at 2 hours 24 minutes, it will cover about 60% of the moon. 4 hours 4 minutes, the lunar eclipse ends.

Also in June, a partial solar eclipse - the moon eating the sun - will take place at noon on June 21. The eclipse begins at 13:37, peaking at 15:55 with 48% coverage, and then ends at 16:18 . Even if the sun is partially "eaten", it is still bright enough to damage your eyes. Therefore, you need a specialized lens when viewing eclipses.

Picture 3 of 2020: From Vietnam contemplate 3 times of lunar eclipse, 1 eclipse
A solar eclipse viewed from a satellite - (photo: NASA).

In some countries a little more north than Vietnam, people can observe the total annular eclipse. However, due to the geographical location, we can see partial eclipse from our country.

The last time the moon "transforms" in 2020 is twilight on November 30. It is also a half-moon lunar eclipse , beginning at 17:28 pm, peaking at 17:30 PM and ending at 18: 53. At its peak, the dark shadow "ate" about 60% more of the moon.

To see the moon and the sun turn virtual again, you will have to wait until the end of May 2016, but it will be a total lunar eclipse - the "blood moon" is very beautiful, taking place at sunset.