Partial lunar eclipse to occur over the Arab world on Monday

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Moon and the Sun.

Clear skies are necessary to see the partial lunar eclipse, which will take place on August 7. Credit: Lee Hoagland/ The National

Star-gazers in the Arab world should keep their eyes peeled on Monday (August 7) for a partial lunar eclipse, which will be visible from 7.50pm to 11.21pm GST.

For those in the dark about what exactly a partial lunar eclipse is, the event occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon. However, as the three celestial bodies are not perfectly aligned, only part of the moon's surface is covered by the central part of the Earth's shadow. For a partial lunar eclipse to occur the moon has to be a full moon and the Sun, Earth and Moon must be almost in a straight line, according to timeanddate.com.

All that is needed to see the spectacle in the sky is an unclouded view and a pair of eyes.

This week's partial eclipse is a prelude to the total solar eclipse, which will be visible in North America two weeks later (August 21).

The Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre (IAC) confirmed on Sunday that many of those in the Eastern Hemisphere would be able to see the phenomenon.

"Sky-gazers in the Arab world will see the celestial event, while people in remote West Africa will not be able to observe it clearly," the IAC said in a statement.

"The partial eclipse begins at 3:50pm and ends at 8:21pm GMT (11:21pm local time)."

Most regions in South and East Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia will also be able to see the event.