Stargazers across Asia and parts of Europe and Africa are preparing for a stunning total lunar eclipse on the night of March 15, 2024. This celestial event, known as a “Blood Moon,” occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing the Earth’s shadow to cast a deep red hue on the lunar surface. The eclipse will last from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT, with the best views expected in countries such as India and China.
Observers in eastern Africa and western Australia will also have the opportunity to witness the total eclipse. Those in Europe will see a brief partial eclipse during the early evening as the Moon rises. Unfortunately, regions in the Americas will not have visibility for this phenomenon.
According to Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, the red appearance of the Moon during a lunar eclipse is due to sunlight being filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. Milligan explains that “blue wavelengths of light are shorter than red ones, so are more easily dispersed,” which contributes to the Moon’s striking color.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require special glasses or pinhole projectors for safe viewing, lunar eclipses can be observed simply with clear weather and a good vantage point. The last total lunar eclipse occurred in March 2024, while the previous one was in 2022.
Milligan, who has dedicated over a decade to witnessing eclipses, describes this upcoming lunar event as a precursor to a rare total solar eclipse that will occur on August 12, 2026. This solar eclipse will be visible in a narrow band across parts of Europe, particularly in Spain and Iceland. The totality will be viewable in a roughly 160-kilometre (100-mile) stretch between Madrid and Barcelona, although neither city will experience the full effect.
This upcoming solar eclipse marks the first total event in mainland Europe since 2006. The last significant total solar eclipse took place in North America in April 2024, capturing the attention of millions across the continent.
As the Blood Moon approaches, enthusiasts are reminded of the beauty and wonder of celestial events. With clear skies and the right location, many will have the opportunity to experience this awe-inspiring sight.
