Kingdom to witness partial lunar eclipse on August 7

AMMAN — The Kingdom will witness a partial lunar eclipse on August 7 which is expected to begin at 8:22pm, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. According to astronomical calculations by astronomers from the Chief Islamic Justice Department, the northeastern side of the moon will pass directly behind Earth into its umbra (shadow), covering 25 per cent of the Earth, Petra said.

The eclipse will be visible in central Asia, Australia, the Arabian Gulf, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. An astronomical observation night will be held in Wadi Rum in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zones authority, which will be open to all wishing to view the eclipse, where participants will be able to use large, modern telescopes to view the eclipse and planet Saturn, Petra added.