Stargazers around the world are gearing up for a breathtaking sight on Sunday night, as a total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red hue over the Moon, commonly referred to as a “Blood Moon.” This astronomical event will be visible across significant parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, offering a rare opportunity to witness the Moon transform into a striking shade of crimson.
The total lunar eclipse will occur from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT. Observers in Asia, particularly in countries like India and China, are in the prime location to witness the full spectacle. Meanwhile, those in eastern Africa and western parts of Australia will also enjoy clear views. For viewers in Europe and Africa, a brief partial eclipse will be visible as the Moon rises in the early evening, while the Americas will unfortunately miss this celestial event.
The phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. According to Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, the eerie red color arises because sunlight is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. Milligan explains, “Blue wavelengths of light are shorter than red ones, so they are more easily dispersed as they travel through the atmosphere. That’s what gives the Moon its red, bloody color.”
Unlike solar eclipses, which require special viewing equipment such as glasses or pinhole projectors, observing a lunar eclipse only requires clear skies and a suitable vantage point. This accessibility allows many people to experience the wonder of the cosmos without significant barriers.
The upcoming eclipse will follow the last total lunar eclipse, which occurred in March 2023. The one prior to that took place in 2022. Milligan, who has spent over a decade chasing solar eclipses, describes this event as a prelude to a more significant occurrence planned for the future. He highlights a rare total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely obscures the Sun, set to take place on August 12, 2026. This event will be visible in a narrow band across parts of Europe, primarily in Spain and Iceland, although other countries will witness significant partial eclipses.
In Spain, the path of totality will stretch approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) between Madrid and Barcelona. However, neither city will experience the full phenomenon. This total solar eclipse will be especially notable as it marks the first totality visible in mainland Europe since 2006. The last significant total solar eclipse occurred in North America in April 2024.
As Sunday approaches, excitement is building among astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. With the right conditions, millions will have the chance to witness this captivating event, celebrating the beauty and mystery of our solar system.
