"Mark Your Calendars: May 5, 2023 Lunar Eclipse Viewing Guide"

On May 5, 2023, a penumbral lunar eclipse will occur, visible in Africa, Asia, Australia, and large portions of Europe. The eclipse occurs when the Earth gets between the Sun and the Moon and casts part of its shadow on the Moon. The Moon will dim slightly as it passes through a lighter part of the Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, which can only happen during a full moon when the Moon is opposite the Sun. The next total lunar eclipse will be visible from the Americas, western Europe, and western Africa on March 14, 2025.