Hey there, stargazers! Exciting news awaits! A total lunar eclipse, also known as a ‘blood moon,’ will light up our skies on September 7-8. Get ready for a captivating view as Earth’s shadow sweeps across the moon.
So, what’s a total lunar eclipse? It happens when Earth gets positioned right between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on our celestial neighbor. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen every month because of the moon’s tilted orbit. Yet, about three times a year, we get lucky when they align perfectly.
Leading up to the eclipse, it’s smart to choose a great spot for viewing. Photographers can plan to capture stunning shots of the moon against famous landmarks. If you’re watching with your eyes, just make sure nothing obstructs your view!
When this event unfolds, lucky viewers will see the moon turn a deep red during totality. This happens because of Rayleigh scattering—shorter blue wavelengths of light are scattered away, while the longer red wavelengths make it through, lighting up the moon with that captivating crimson color.
According to NASA, the total lunar eclipse will kick off at 11:28 a.m. (GMT) on September 7, with the peak moment at 1:30 p.m. (ET). Totality will last for an amazing 82 minutes! This means there’s plenty of time to catch the spectacle. Remarkably, about 5.8 billion people—around 76% of the world’s population—across places like Australia, Asia, and Eastern Europe, will have a chance to see it in its full glory.
How can you enjoy the show if the weather doesn’t cooperate? No worries! Space.com will host a livestream so you can watch every moment unfold. You can also check out the latest updates and photos as they come in.
For those in the Americas, you’ll miss out entirely since the moon will be below the horizon. However, if you’re elsewhere, enjoy the red moon—it’s completely safe to watch without any protective gear.
Just a tip: If you’re interested in photographing the eclipse, consider using a good camera. A DSLR setup can really make a difference, especially when capturing the beauty of this cosmic event.
In a nutshell, the September 7-8 blood moon represents an awe-inspiring natural show. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the universe!