This summer brings an unusually rich programme of events in the night — and day — sky over the Balearic Islands, including two full moons, a partial lunar eclipse and a total solar eclipse.
What is a full moon?
A full moon occurs when the Earth lies between the Sun and the Moon, so the whole face of the Moon turned towards us is lit. The precise moment of full moon lasts only an instant, but to the naked eye the Moon looks full for about three nights. A complete lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days.
The Buck Moon — 29 July
July’s full moon peaks at 4.36pm local time on Wednesday 29 July. Although the exact moment falls in daylight, the Moon will look full from the evening of the 28th to the morning of the 30th.
The name comes from North American tradition: July is when male deer, or bucks, grow new antlers.
Total solar eclipse — 12 August
The highlight of the summer comes on Wednesday 12 August, when a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Spain, including the Balearic Islands. During totality the Moon will completely cover the Sun, turning day into a strange twilight for a short time in the evening.
The eclipse coincides with the new moon. Never look directly at the Sun, even when it is partly covered, without certified eclipse glasses or a proper solar filter. Ordinary sunglasses do not protect your eyes.
The Sturgeon Moon and a partial lunar eclipse — 28 August
August’s full moon peaks at 6.19am on Friday 28 August. It is named after the sturgeon that were once plentiful in North America’s Great Lakes at this time of year.
This full moon comes with a partial lunar eclipse, when part of the Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow and one edge appears darker. From the Balearics, the best view will be low in the western sky before dawn.
Tips for watching
- Find an open spot away from street lights: a beach, a hilltop or the countryside.
- Full moons and lunar eclipses can be enjoyed with the naked eye; binoculars will show craters and the shadow’s edge.
- Check exact times for your location, especially for the eclipses.
- For the solar eclipse, make sure you have safe viewing equipment well in advance, as demand is expected to be high.
