Watching the Solar Eclipse in Bavaria: Details and Timings

Total Lunar Eclipse to Light Up Bavarian Skies This Sunday

Prepare for a celestial spectacle as a total lunar eclipse is set to grace Bavaria's skies this Sunday evening. The event, a rare occurrence in astronomy, will offer stargazers an unforgettable sight.

The Diedorf Observatory near Augsburg will open its doors at 19:30, weather permitting, for those eager to witness the eclipse. However, tickets for a special event at Munich's Volkssternwarte are sold out. Fret not, as other observatories such as Ingolstadt and Zwiesel in the Bavarian Forest National Park welcome visitors without the need for registration.

For the best viewing experience, seek out a dark location with an unobstructed view to the east. Dillberg in the Upper Palatinate and Rothsee in Middle Franconia are ideal spots. If you're outside of observatories, locations with a clear view to the southeast, like open areas without horizon obstructions, such as around Ebermannstadt or in the Franconian Switzerland region, provide optimal visibility.

During the eclipse, Earth will be positioned between the moon and the sun, with the moon passing through Earth's shadow. The totality of the lunar eclipse begins around 19:30, and the moon will appear reddish-brown during the totality. The full moon will emerge from the umbral shadow around 20:53, and will completely leave the umbral shadow by 21:57.

The lunar eclipse will last until approximately 20:53. The German Weather Service predicts patchy clouds that could obscure the eclipse, so keep an eye on the forecast and prepare for a possible change in viewing location.

If you miss this lunar eclipse, mark your calendars for December 31, 2028, for the next total lunar eclipse. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of astronomy, consider visiting Winklmoos-Alm in the Chiemgau Alps, a Dark Sky site in Bavaria with an uninterrupted 360-degree view. Alternatively, Rhön, an international dark sky reserve, offers optimal conditions for stargazing.

Remember, if you're unable to secure a spot at an observatory, don't forget to add your name to the waiting list at Munich's Volkssternwarte. This Sunday, let's gather under the night sky and marvel at the beauty of the total lunar eclipse.