[File photo]

Kunming residents will see lunar eclipse this Saturday if weather permits.

The prime time of the eclipse was expected to begin from 10:05 p.m. to 10:57 p.m. The totality phase -- when the moon is entirely inside Earth's shadow -- will last a little nearly an hour.

The moon will appear coppery-red in color during totality.

A total of 34 flights will fly over Kunming during the best viewing time, including: CZ6404 Kunming-Shenyang, MU2716 Kunming-Nanjing, MU5718 Kunming-Beijing and MU5706 Kunming-Xishuangbanna.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes behind the Earth so that the Earth blocks the Sun's rays from striking the Moon. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, a lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full moon. The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes.

Yunnan Astronomy Enthusiast Association will organize an observation activity at Cuihu Lake (near the west gate). (Editor:Ryan Li)

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