The final total Lunar Eclipse in three years will be seen next week by skywatchers on four continents.
The moon will become a bloody crimson colour as it passes into the shadow of the Earth on Tuesday, the day of the eclipse. Viewers across North and Central America, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and portions of South America will be able to see the celestial display.
When the moon, Earth, and sun are all in alignment, the moon passes into Earth’s shadow, causing a lunar eclipse. Because of the striking red colouration brought on by Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters sunlight and reflects it on the moon’s surface, total lunar eclipses are frequently referred to as “blood moons.”
According to NASA, the next total lunar eclipse after this one won’t happen until March 14, 2025.
The moon will first dim and darken as it moves into Earth’s shadow before taking on a crimson tinge. Totality, or when the moon is completely submerged in Earth’s shadow, will be visible across the United States for over an hour and a half.
At 3:02 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the moon will start to move into the outer region of the shadow cast by the Earth. According to NASA, the partial eclipse will appear to be eating into the lunar disk as it advances.
Eastern Daylight Time totality will last from 5:17 to 6:42 in the morning. The moon will be copper-red in colour at this hour.
Hawaii and Alaska residents will have the opportunity to witness the entire skywatching show as it develops, weather permitting.
A lunar eclipse can be seen safely with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses. Even binoculars and telescopes can be used by skygazers for more spectacular views.
According to NASA officials, “if you wish to capture a picture, utilize a camera on a tripod with exposures of at least several seconds.”
While there won’t be another total lunar eclipse until March 2025, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse in May of next year, followed by a partial lunar eclipse in October of the following year.