Stargazers around the world are gearing up for a remarkable astronomical event this Sunday night, as a total lunar eclipse will cast the Moon in an eerie, deep red hue, commonly referred to as a “Blood Moon.” This phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, allowing Earth’s shadow to envelop the Moon. The eclipse will be visible across large parts of Asia, including India and China, and will also grace the eastern edge of Africa and western Australia.
The total lunar eclipse is set to take place from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT. For observers in Europe and Africa, there will be a brief opportunity to witness a partial eclipse as the Moon rises during the early evening hours. Unfortunately, viewers in the Americas will not be able to see this event.
Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan from Queen’s University Belfast explains that the Moon takes on its red color because the only sunlight reaching it is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere. The shorter blue wavelengths of light scatter more easily, leaving the longer red wavelengths to illuminate the Moon. Milligan stated, “That’s what gives the Moon its red, bloody colour.”
Unlike solar eclipses, which require special glasses or pinhole projectors for safe viewing, lunar eclipses can be observed with the naked eye, provided that the weather conditions are clear.
This upcoming event follows the last total lunar eclipse that occurred in March 2023, with the previous one taking place in 2022. Milligan, who has dedicated over a decade to witnessing solar eclipses, has termed Sunday’s lunar eclipse a prelude to a more significant event scheduled for next year. A rare total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, when the Moon will completely block out the Sun’s light, visible in a narrow strip across Spain and Iceland.
In Spain, the totality of the solar eclipse will be visible in a band approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) wide, stretching between Madrid and Barcelona. However, neither city will experience the full effect of the total eclipse. This upcoming solar eclipse marks the first total eclipse to traverse mainland Europe since 2006.
As anticipation builds for the Blood Moon, enthusiasts and casual observers alike are reminded that clear skies will be essential for optimal viewing. This celestial display serves as a reminder of the wonders of our universe and the intricate dance of celestial bodies that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
