On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Dr. Ala’a Azzam, professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Jordan, gave a live interview on University of Jordan Radio to discuss the lunar eclipse that occurred on Friday of May 2023 and was visible across Jordan.
During the segment, Dr. Azzam explained that the event was a penumbral lunar eclipse, in which the Moon passed through the Earth's penumbral shadow. She noted that such eclipses cause only a subtle dimming of the Moon's brightness, often observable by experienced viewers or with basic astronomical tools.
Dr. Azzam also outlined the differences between the types of lunar eclipses—partial, total, and penumbral—and described the astronomical conditions necessary for each. She emphasized that lunar eclipses are completely harmless and offer an excellent opportunity for skywatching and public engagement in astronomy.
She concluded by highlighting the value of such celestial events in raising public awareness of astronomy, encouraging students and the wider community to follow astronomical phenomena as a way to connect scientific knowledge with natural observation.