Eclipse, 'Snow Moon' and Comet Coming To Maryland Skies

Maryland residents looking for free entertainment this weekend need only look skyward for an unusual show. A penumbral lunar eclipse, “snow” full moon and comet are all expected to make appearances.

A penumbral eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra. The sky will darken, but not completely. You’ll be able to see the eclipse throughout most of eastern South America, eastern Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, Africa and western Asia.

The best viewing in North America will be after sunset on Friday, Feb. 10, according to Earthsky.org, which says eastern portions of the continent will offer the optimal perspective.

As for that full moon, it was named the "Snow Moon" by Native Americans. February’s moon gets that name because it is the month the heaviest snows tend to fall. (And there may be snow on the ground in Maryland on Friday.) Considering an abundance of snow can make hunting a bit difficult, some also called February’s full moon the “Hunger Moon.”

The final treat in the weekend's celestial trio of events is the appearance of Comet 45P. Skywatchers will need to stay up extra late, however, to really catch a glimpse of it. The best viewing time is anticipated to be about 3 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11.

"Comet 45P, visible after sunset over the last two months-through both binoculars and telescopes-makes its closest approach to Earth on Feb. 11, when it will be 0.08 Astronomical Units (7.4 million miles) from Earth,” NASA’s Jane Houston Jones said in February’s What’s Up podcast. “It'll be visible in the morning sky in the constellation Hercules.”

While the comet will be visible, many stargazers are recommending that folks still bring out binoculars or a telescope to catch a good look at the comet’s blue-green streak in the sky.

- By Sherri Lonon (Patch Staff)

Image by SATHIASEELAN K used via Flickr under Creative Commons.