Penumbral lunar eclipse visible in Qatar on Friday as expert warns public against myths

Doha, Qatar - On Friday, August 28, 2026, a penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible in Qatar, according to Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the Qatar Center for Space Sciences and Astronomy. In a video message, the expert explained that the eclipse will occur at dawn, as the Moon passes through the outer edge of Earth's shadow.

The peak of the eclipse is expected around 4:57 AM to 5:11 AM, with the Moon setting shortly after. Sheikh Salman emphasized that the shadow effect will be subtle, lasting only a brief period. During an interview with Al Rayyan TV, he cautioned the public against falling for myths and misinformation surrounding astronomical events, urging them to rely on scientific information instead.

In a separate segment about weather forecasting, Sheikh Salman clarified that accurate predictions typically extend up to 72 hours, with accuracy diminishing beyond this timeframe. He stressed that meteorological forecasts beyond 72 hours remain uncertain and subject to change, as weather patterns can shift unexpectedly. The expert also urged against individuals using long-range weather predictions to alarm the public, urging caution against relying on forecasts that claim to predict conditions far into the future.