Total lunar eclipse to turn moon blood red: When and how to see it |
Total lunar eclipse to turn moon blood red: When and how to see it
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(NEXSTAR) – With a little cooperation from the clouds, skygazers in the U.S. will get to watch as the moon turns blood red during Tuesday morning’s total lunar eclipse.
The celestial phenomenon happens when the Earth passes between the sun and moon. The shadow caused by Earth turns the moon a deep copper color.
Often called a blood moon, a total lunar eclipse only happens during a full moon phase, according to NASA.
The spectacle will be visible Tuesday morning from North America, Central America and the western part of South America. Australia and eastern Asia can catch it Tuesday night. Partial stages of the eclipse with small bites taken out of the moon can be seen from Central Asia and much of South America. Africa and Europe will be shut out.
According to Space.com, this is when residents of various U.S. time zones will be able to watch the total lunar eclipse:
Eastern time: 6:04-7:02 a.m.
Central time: 5:04-6:02 a.m.
Mountain time: 4:04-5:02 a.m.
Pacific time: 3:04-4:02 a.m.
Alaska time: 2:04-3:02 a.m.
Hawaii time: 1:04-2:02 a.m.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is a bit easier to prepare for as you don’t need any additional equipment, just an unobstructed view of the moon.
To add to the experience, try to get as far away as you can from brightly lit areas. Binoculars or a telescope will allow you to get an even better glimpse.
Use a forecasting app or any online celestial calendar to look up the exact timing for your area. Venture outside a few times to see Earth’s shadow darken the moon, eventually revealing the reddish-orange orb.
“You don’t have to be out there the whole time to see the shadows moving,” said astronomer Bennett Maruca with the University of Delaware.
There’s a partial lunar eclipse on the docket for August, visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa and west Asia.
The next total lunar eclipse is not expected until Dec. 31, 2028.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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