Don’t Miss It! Experience the Stunning ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse Soon

Stargazers have a treat coming up: a “Blood Moon” will grace the skies on Sunday night! This total lunar eclipse will be seen in parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, Earth’s shadow casts a deep red hue on the Moon, fascinating us for centuries.

If you’re in Asia, especially India or China, you’re in luck! You’ll get the best views. Eastern Africa and western Australia also have prime spots. The total eclipse lasts from 5:30 PM to 6:52 PM GMT. In Europe and Africa, people may catch a glimpse of a partial eclipse as the Moon rises in the early evening. Unfortunately, viewers in the Americas will miss out.

The red color comes from sunlight that bends as it moves through Earth’s atmosphere. Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist from Queen’s University Belfast, explains that shorter blue wavelengths scatter more easily than longer red ones, which is why we see that striking blood-red color during the eclipse.

While solar eclipses require special glasses for safe viewing, you only need clear weather to enjoy a lunar eclipse. The last total lunar eclipse occurred in March, followed by one in 2022.

Looking ahead, Milligan, a dedicated “solar eclipse chaser,” sees this lunar eclipse as a warm-up for a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. This event will be visible in a narrow band across Spain and Iceland, marking the first total solar eclipse to touch mainland Europe since 2006.

Interestingly, a recent survey from the American Astronomical Society revealed that 72% of people are interested in solar and lunar eclipses. Social media buzzes with excitement around these events, as people share photos and experiences.

As we approach the 2026 solar eclipse, it’s a great time to appreciate the wonders of astronomy. Each celestial event offers a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our universe.



Source link