News

Penumbral lunar eclipse on Vesak day

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 2023

editor

A penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible to Sri Lanka on the Vesak Full Moon day, Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit, Department of Physics, Colombo University, Professor Chandana Jayaratne said.

He said the eclipse begins at 08.44 p.m. Sri Lanka standard time tomorrow with the moon entering the penumbra of the earth’s shadow (less dark shadow) and ends at 1.01 a.m. on Saturday (6).

Lunar eclipses occur on full moon days when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, which results in the obstruction of some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon.

“This eclipse is a penumbral type of lunar eclipse occurring around midnight between tonight and tomorrow. The greatest eclipse will take place at 10.52 p.m. tomorrow. A penumbral lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth and the Moon are imperfectly aligned,” Prof. Jayaratne said.

During a penumbral eclipse the Moon will not enter the darker shadow (umbra) of the Earth, but the lighter shadow (penumbral shadow).

“Therefore, during this particular eclipse, you will see no dark shadow as in total or partial lunar eclipses, but only a reduction of the brightness of the Moon.

Penumbral eclipses are difficult to observe, especially during the early and late stages. Nevertheless, a subtle yet distinct shading should be visible across the Moon.

This eclipse is visible to most of the countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica regions.

There is a better, a partial lunar eclipse visible to Sri Lanka on 28 October this year and after that the next lunar eclipse visible to Sri Lanka is on September 7, 2025,” Prof Jayaratne added.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.