Partial Lunar Eclipse to Happen on August 27-28
A partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 27 and 28. Skywatchers around the world are preparing to view the event.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. Earth's shadow then falls across the Moon's surface. In a partial eclipse, only part of the Moon moves into this shadow, unlike a total eclipse where the whole Moon is covered.
News outlets have been sharing viewing tips to help people know the best times and places to watch the eclipse. These updates include information about which parts of the world will see the eclipse most clearly.
A reddish-looking moon during an eclipse is sometimes called a Blood Moon. This name comes from the way sunlight bends around Earth and gives the Moon a red color. In some cultures, a Blood Moon is given a spiritual meaning, and people connect it to important life events or changes.
The eclipse has also been linked to astrology, the belief that positions of the Moon and stars affect people's lives. Because this eclipse falls under the Pisces zodiac sign, some astrology followers believe it could bring changes for certain zodiac signs this week.
Whether people are interested in the science of eclipses or their cultural meaning, the August 27-28 event has drawn attention from skywatchers, scientists, and astrology fans alike.
Vocabulary6 words
- partial lunar eclipse
- an event where only part of the Moon passes into Earth's shadow
- viewing tips
- helpful advice about how and when to watch something
- Blood Moon
- a name given to a moon that looks red during an eclipse
- spiritual meaning
- a special idea connected to belief or religion
- astrology
- the belief that stars and planets affect human lives
- Pisces
- one of the twelve zodiac signs
Quiz
Answer key
1. Only part of the Moon moves into Earth's shadow 2. Because sunlight bending around Earth makes it look red 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 27 and _____.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the _____.
In a partial eclipse, only part of the Moon moves into this _____.
News outlets have been sharing _____ tips to help people watch the eclipse.
A reddish-looking moon during an eclipse is sometimes called a _____ Moon.
In some cultures, a Blood Moon is given a spiritual _____.
The eclipse has also been linked to _____, the belief that stars affect people's lives.
Because this eclipse falls under the _____ zodiac sign, some believe it could bring changes.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever watched a lunar eclipse? What was it like?
- Why do you think people connect eclipses to spiritual or astrological meaning?
- Do you believe zodiac signs can affect people's lives? Why or why not?
- Would you like to watch this upcoming eclipse? Why or why not?