National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine enthralled visitors to Abu Dhabi’s corniche yesterday evening with a high-powered scientific telescope that allowed people to view the lunar eclipse that took place over the United Arab Emirates between 9:22 pm and 3.00am.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth so that earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon. The computerized GPS-connected telescope set up by National Geographic Al Arabiya allowed crowds of visitors to take a close-up view of this unique lunar phenomenon, including the impressive total eclipse (when the moon is fully in the earth’s shadow) which lasted for 100 minutes from 11.22pm until 1.03am – the longest since the year 2000.

Mohammed Al Hammadi, Editor of National Geographic Al Arabiya, commented on the spectacular lunar event: “National Geographic Al Arabiya aims to teach people about our universe in order to encourage them to take greater interest in science and the world around them. The magazine has rapidly become a favourite source of education and enjoyment for families across the region, and we constantly seek to introduce people to the wonders of our planet and outer space, such as the magnificent lunar eclipse we witnessed here tonight.”

The eclipse also coincides with National Geographic Abu Dhabi TV’s ‘Space Month’, where the channel is airing a selection of outer space themed programs for the month of June. Viewers can tune in every Wednesday night at 10 pm to watch stories on our universe, planets and the solar system.

The UAE will experience more eclipses this year than normal, with another lunar eclipse occurring in December, which National Geographic Al Arabiya is planning activities around as well.

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