Total Lunar Eclipse to Turn Moon Red on Thursday Night \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. and much of the world on Thursday night into early Friday morning. The moon will turn a deep red as it passes through Earth’s shadow, creating a stunning “blood moon” effect. The eclipse reaches totality at 2:26 a.m. ET, lasting just over an hour. Cloudy skies may obscure the view in some areas, but skywatchers who miss it can catch the next total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025.
Quick Looks
- Celestial Spectacle: A total lunar eclipse will occur Thursday night into Friday morning, visible across the U.S. and other parts of the world.
- Timing: The eclipse begins around midnight ET and reaches totality from 2:26 a.m. to 3:32 a.m. ET.
- Blood Moon Effect: The moon will appear deep red due to Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight.
- Where to See It: Best viewing conditions are in North and South America, parts of Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
- Safe to Watch: Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye.
- Weather Challenges: Cloud cover may obscure the view for much of the U.S.
- Next Total Lunar Eclipse: If you miss this one, the next total lunar eclipse occurs on September 7, 2025.
Deep Look
Stunning Celestial Event Visible Across the U.S. and Beyond
On Thursday night into early Friday morning, skywatchers across the United States and much of the world will witness a total lunar eclipse, a rare event where the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon, causing it to appear a deep reddish hue—commonly known as a “blood moon.”
This breathtaking event will be visible to millions, spanning North and South America, Western Africa, Europe, Eastern Australia, and parts of Asia. The eclipse begins at midnight Eastern Time (ET), with totality lasting from 2:26 a.m. to 3:32 a.m. ET. The entire process will conclude around 6:00 a.m. ET. Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, this lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, making it an accessible spectacle for anyone interested in astronomy.
However, cloudy weather may obstruct visibility in some parts of the United States, so those unable to see the event in person can watch live streams from NASA and major observatories.
What Causes a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, with the Earth positioned between the sun and the moon. As the Earth moves into place, it casts a shadow across the moon’s surface, blocking direct sunlight. Unlike a solar eclipse, where the moon temporarily obscures the sun, a lunar eclipse only happens during a full moon when the Earth’s shadow extends far enough into space to cover the entire lunar disk.
During the eclipse, instead of vanishing into darkness, the moon turns red, creating the dramatic effect known as a blood moon. This color shift occurs due to Rayleigh scattering, the same atmospheric phenomenon responsible for the reddish hues of sunsets. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter, while longer red wavelengths bend around the planet and reach the moon. This results in the moon glowing in shades of red, orange, or copper depending on atmospheric conditions, including dust and pollution levels.
Where and When to Watch the Blood Moon Eclipse
For those hoping to witness this event, timing is crucial. The total lunar eclipse will be visible across most of North and South America, offering a prime viewing opportunity for skywatchers in the United States. The eclipse will also be partially visible in parts of Africa, Europe, Australia, Russia, and northern Japan.
The full timeline of the eclipse is as follows (Eastern Time – ET):
- Midnight – The moon begins entering Earth’s outer shadow (penumbral phase).
- 1:12 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins as the Earth’s darker shadow (umbra) starts covering the moon.
- 2:26 a.m. – The total lunar eclipse begins, with the entire moon covered in shadow.
- 3:00 a.m. – Peak of the eclipse, when the moon is at its deepest red hue.
- 3:32 a.m. – The total eclipse ends as the moon starts leaving the umbra.
- 4:46 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends.
- 6:00 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse concludes, and the moon fully exits Earth’s shadow.
Unlike fast-moving solar eclipses that last only a few minutes, a total lunar eclipse lasts for several hours, giving viewers ample time to observe the changes.
How to Watch and What to Expect
The beauty of a lunar eclipse is that it requires no special equipment to enjoy. Unlike solar eclipses, which necessitate protective glasses, a total lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience by revealing greater detail on the moon’s surface and the subtle gradations of color caused by Earth’s atmosphere.
For the best viewing experience:
- Find a dark location away from city lights to reduce glare.
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for a clearer view.
- If using a telescope or camera, prepare for long exposures to capture the moon’s red glow.
Unfortunately, cloud cover may obscure visibility in some parts of the United States, particularly in the East and Midwest. Those affected by weather conditions can watch the event online, as space agencies and observatories will live stream the eclipse in real-time.
How Rare Are Total Lunar Eclipses?
While lunar eclipses are not uncommon, total lunar eclipses are much rarer than partial ones. On average, there are about one or two total lunar eclipses every 2-3 years, while partial eclipses can occur up to three times annually.
The last total lunar eclipse was in 2022, meaning this event is highly anticipated among astronomers and skywatchers. The next two total lunar eclipses will occur on:
- September 7, 2025
- March 3, 2026
Those who miss this week’s eclipse will have another chance to witness the phenomenon next year.
Cultural and Scientific Significance of Lunar Eclipses
Throughout history, lunar eclipses have been viewed with fascination and superstition. Ancient civilizations often saw blood moons as omens of great change or turmoil, with various cultures interpreting them as warnings from the gods, signs of impending conflict, or moments of spiritual awakening.
From a scientific standpoint, lunar eclipses provide valuable insights into both Earth’s atmosphere and space mechanics. By analyzing the colors of the moon during totality, researchers can assess pollution levels and climate changes. The alignment of the Earth, sun, and moon during an eclipse also offers astronomers a chance to study orbital mechanics and planetary shadows.
NASA scientists use lunar eclipses to study how light interacts with planetary atmospheres, helping to refine models used for detecting exoplanets in distant star systems.
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Celestial Event
The total lunar eclipse on Thursday night into Friday morning presents a remarkable opportunity for millions of people worldwide to witness one of nature’s most captivating spectacles.
With the moon turning deep red, the blood moon effect will once again remind viewers of the beauty and complexity of our solar system. Whether watching from your backyard, through a telescope, or via a live stream, this rare event is one worth staying up for.
For those lucky enough to have clear skies, the experience will be awe-inspiring—a moment to pause and reflect on the grandeur of the universe unfolding above us.
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