You might be able to catch a glimpse of an eclipse this weekend

This weekend the skies are expected to actually cooperate with stargazers in the Thompson and Okanagan who want to catch a glimpse of a partial penumbral eclipse of the moon.

Earthsky.org says the moon reaches its full stage during the nighttime hours of July 4 -5.

A penumbral eclipse is very faint, so observers should be aware of that fact as they watch for a subtle shading of the moon caused by the Earth’s shadow.

The July full moon is known as the ‘buck moon,’ 'thunder moon' or 'hay moon.'

An eclipse of the moon can only take place at full moon, when the sun, Earth and moon line up in space. A penumbral eclipse is one in which only the more diffuse outer shadow of the earth, known as the penumbra, falls on the moon’s face. This type of eclipse is more difficult to observe than a total or partial eclipse of the moon.

Earthsky says the eclipse will be so nearly imperceptible some will see nothing even while staring at it, but others will notice something strange happening on the moon, without knowing an eclipse is taking place.

This weekend’s penumbral eclipse is expected to be visible in the Thompson–Okanagan at these times:

• Kamloops from 9:18 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.
• Vernon from 9:40 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.
• Kelowna from 9:10 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.
• Penticton from 9:09 p.m. to 10:52 p.m.

Environment Canada says Kamloops should be mainly clear Saturday night, while Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton should see cloudy periods.

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