» Astronomy & Space

Lunar Eclipse

It’s an amazing and interesting phenomenon. Old people said many myths about it, but fourteen century ago and before NASA scientists Islam told us about this phenomenon ….

Robert Massey an astronomer in the British astronomical assembly announced that “we the scientists don’t value this phenomenon, but many people enjoys watching it “DR Massey had concluded this result after many years of researches and studies.

But for many centuries, people used to consider lunar eclipse and solar eclipse are frightening phenomena. They believed that when solar eclipse happens, it means a dragon swallowed the sun or an important person died or that a dangerous event will occur.

We consider prophet Mohamed “peace be upon him “the first man to put the scientific basis for these phenomena (lunar eclipse and solar eclipse). He said about both of them” sun and moon are just two signs of God be he blessed and they don’t disappear for the birth or death of any one. If you see these phenomena, prayer to God and ask him for relieve” (Agreed).

From the hadith, we understand that the phenomenon of lunar eclipse is not important and has no effect on human or their future. It is just a cosmic phenomenon to indicate that our creator is great and his creation is precise.

How does lunar eclipse happen?

A lunar eclipse is an eclipse which occurs whenever the moon passes behind the earth such that the earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon. This can occur only when the SunEarth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle.

Lunar eclipse happens at least once a year, and we can see it if we are on the other side of earth which is facing the moon. At this moment if we are sitting on the moon we can see the solar eclipse (earth will be disappeared) because sun will be behind earth but we can see earth is surrounded by a magnificent red ring.

(Each in an orbit floating)(Sûrat Al-Anbiyâ’- verse 33) this scientific fact is responsible for the phenomenon of lunar eclipse. This phenomenon happens when moon passes behind the earth such that the earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon

During The phenomenon of lunar eclipse , moon speed is about one kilometer per  second and usually it lasts for about one hundred minute .during the partial lunar eclipse we can see the moon as a glowing reddish coppery disk . That glowing is because clouds and dust which obstruct the incoming rays from the moon.

Temperature on surface of the lighted moon by sun is about 130 degree centigrade, so if we put the water on that surface it will boil immediately!!But when earth became between moon and sun (lunar eclipse) temperature on surface of the moon became -99 degree centigrade under zero.

A wonderful photo for phenomenon of lunar eclipse with the glowing reddish color of moon.

Finally we can say that looking at moon during lunar eclipse is safe for our eye which is against looking at sun during solar eclipse as it considered to be very dangerous and may be harmful for eyes. My dears, when we see that phenomenon we can only say 🙁 Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to you! (Exalted are you above all that they associate with you as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.) (Sûrat Âl-‘Imrân – verse 191).

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By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel

References:

  1. Some researches on NASA website: http://www.nasa.gov
  2. http://www.phys.uu.nl/~vgent/calendar/eclipsecycles.htm
  3. http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-Eclipses.htm
  4. http://www.space.com/070209_ns_lunar_eclipse.html
  5. http://www.hermit.org/Eclipse/2007-03-03/