AstronomyPicture of the Day—20190112

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2019January 13

PartialEclipse over Beijing

ImageCredit & Copyright: Li Zhaoqi

Explanation:On January 6 the New Moon rose in silhouette with the Sun seen fromnortheastern Asia. Near maximum, the dramatic partial solar eclipse is capturedin this telephoto view through hazy skies. In the foreground, the hill topWanchun pavilion overlooking central Beijing's popular Forbidden City hostseclipse-watching early morning risers. This was the first of five, three solarand two lunar, eclipses for 2019. Next up is a total lunar eclipse during thismonth's Full Perigee Moon. At night on January 21, that celestial shadow playwill be visible from the hemisphere of planet Earth that includes the Americas,Europe, and western Africa.