In a statement, the Institute said that although the event is classified as a total lunar eclipse, it will appear as a partial lunar eclipse to observers in Sri Lanka.
This is because the Moon will be below the horizon during the total phase of the eclipse. As a result, the stage at which the Moon is completely covered by the Earth’s shadow will not be visible from the island.
Accordingly, when the Moon rises above the eastern horizon at 6.21 p.m., a portion of it will already be covered by the Earth’s shadow, enabling the public to observe the final part of the partial phase of the eclipse.
The key timings of the lunar eclipse in Sri Lanka Standard Time are as follows:
Penumbral eclipse begins – 2.14 p.m. (Not visible)
Partial eclipse begins – 3.20 p.m. (Below the horizon)
Total eclipse begins – 4.34 p.m. (Below the horizon)
Maximum eclipse – 5.03 p.m. (Below the horizon)
Total eclipse ends – 5.32 p.m. (Below the horizon)
Moonrise – 6.21 p.m.
Partial eclipse ends – 6.47 p.m.
Penumbral eclipse ends – 7.53 p.m.
The Institute advised the public to select a cloud-free location with a clear and unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best chance of observing the eclipse.
