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Skywatchers across the Arab world are in for a treat on Sunday evening, as the International Astronomical Centre will livestream the total lunar eclipse from the Al Khattm Astronomical Observatory. The four-hour live broadcast will run from 7:30pm to 11:50pm UAE time, offering a front-row seat to a rare and visually captivating cosmic event.
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Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odah, Director of the International Astronomical Centre, confirmed the eclipse will be visible in varying degrees across the Arab region.
The moon will rise above the eastern skies before the eclipse begins, while those in central areas will see it already underway. In the western Arab world, the Moon will appear above the horizon during the latter stages of the phenomenon, a WAM report said.
Timings and phases of the eclipse
According to the Centre’s timeline, the eclipse will unfold in several distinct stages:
- 7:28pm – Moon enters the penumbra
- 8:27pm – Partial eclipse begins
- 9:31pm – Total eclipse starts
- 10:12pm – Peak of the eclipse
- 10:53pm – End of total eclipse
- 11:57pm – End of partial eclipse
- 12:55am (Monday) – End of entire event
Odah noted the moon will be clearly visible to the naked eye from 8:15pm to 12:15am, especially during totality, when it may turn a range of colors, from bright orange to deep red, due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.
He emphasised that the color and brightness of the moon during an eclipse are indicators of atmospheric purity. Increased pollution or volcanic activity, for example, can darken the Moon’s hue significantly. He cited the total lunar eclipse of December 12, 1992, when the moon nearly vanished from view due to the lingering effects of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.
UAE calls for Eclipse Prayer
In a spiritual reflection of the event, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat in Abu Dhabi has called on the public to perform the Eclipse Prayer on Sunday evening. This aligns with Islamic tradition, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), who performed special prayers during cosmic events.
The UAE Council for Fatwa stated that the prayer is recommended for all adult Muslims, regardless of whether the eclipse is partial or total.
Whether you plan to tune in online or gaze skyward from your backyard, Sunday’s eclipse promises to be a mesmerising blend of science and spirituality. With perfect timing and clear visibility expected across most of the UAE, it’s an ideal moment to pause and reflect on the wonders of the universe, and perhaps, say a prayer too.
