Oman Set to Witness Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13, 2025

Oman will witness its first total lunar eclipse of 2025 on March 13th. Key phases include penumbral, partial, and total eclipses starting at 7:57 a.m. local time. However, due to the moon’s early peak visibility, full observation will be limited. The event will be visible in other parts of the world.

The Sultanate of Oman is poised to experience a total lunar eclipse on Thursday, March 13th, marking the first such event of 2025. While visible across a major portion of the globe, Omani residents will face limited visibility. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalidi from the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space provides critical timings: the penumbral eclipse at 7:57 a.m., the partial eclipse at 9:09 a.m., and totality from 10:26 a.m. to 11:31 a.m., with the entire phenomenon lasting approximately six hours and three minutes.

Notably, the moon’s peak visibility in the Muscat Governorate at 5:45 a.m. will occur before the eclipse’s penumbral phase begins, preventing residents from observing the full event. The eclipse will be observable across regions such as Australia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Antarctica where it coincides with nighttime.

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow obscures the moon’s sunlight, aligning the Earth, sun, and moon in a linear arrangement. There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, wherein the entire moon enters Earth’s umbra creating a reddish tint; partial, where only a portion enters; and penumbral, resulting in slight dimming. The red coloration during totality results from red light refraction through Earth’s atmosphere. It is essential to note that lunar eclipses happen during full moons, contrasting with solar eclipses that occur during new moons.

In summary, Oman’s upcoming total lunar eclipse will be a significant event, although local visibility may be hindered by timing factors. The phenomenon illustrates the fascinating interplay between celestial bodies and offers opportunities for observation globally. Understanding the nature of lunar eclipses enhances appreciation for this rare astronomical occurrence.

Original Source: timesofoman.com