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May 25, 2021 · Unlike during a solar eclipse — when the moon casts a shadow on the Earth as it moves between the Earth and the sun — a lunar eclipse is safe to look at with the naked eye.
- Overview
- The moon in bloom
- Extra starry sights
The first total lunar eclipse since 2019 promises to put on an exciting show for some lucky sky-watchers.
It’s been more than two years since the last total lunar eclipse—but that drought will come to an end on Wednesday with the arrival of the “super flower blood moon.”
This total lunar eclipse will happen in the early morning of May 26 for viewers in western North America and far southern South America, as well as for people watching from the Hawaiian Islands. Observers in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia should look for it on the evening of the 26th.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, with our planet’s shadow darkening the lunar disk. Rather than going completely dark, the eclipsed portion of the moon can turn interesting colors due to the way light scatters in our atmosphere, often culminating in a deep blood-red hue. That’s why total lunar eclipses are sometimes called blood moons.
Though not as spectacular as solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are more democratic, because they can be seen from a much larger portion of the planet. During a total solar eclipse, only those within a narrow path on Earth’s surface get to see the sun completely blocked out by the moon. But with a lunar eclipse, we’re watching the moon pass through Earth’s shadow—something that can be witnessed from any spot where the moon is above the horizon. Lunar eclipses also unfold at a much more leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the moon’s changing appearance as the eclipse progresses.
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Lunar Eclipse 101
Nicknamed "blood moon," some ancient cultures regarded a total lunar eclipse as an ominous event. Today, this celestial phenomenon generates excitement and wonder. Unlike a solar eclipse, which may require travel to see, total lunar eclipses can often be observed from the entire nighttime-half of the Earth. Learn what causes a lunar eclipse and how it gains its crimson coloring.
Best of all, unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view without special filters. You can observe it with binoculars, a telescope, a telephoto lens, or soak up the celestial show with just your eyes.
The bad news is that the sun, Earth, and moon will not be perfectly lined up during this eclipse. As a result, the moon will pass through the edge rather than the center of Earth’s shadow. That means totality will last just 14 and a half minutes, well short of the theoretical maximum of almost two hours.
During totality, take a few minutes to study the sky. With the light of the full moon dimmed, more stars and constellations may spring into view, especially if you’re viewing far away from city lights.
During this month’s eclipse, the moon will be in the southern zodiac constellation of Scorpio; look for its brightest star, orange-red Antares, six and a half degrees to the left of the moon. That’s about a dozen times the moon’s apparent size, or a bit more than the width of your first held at arm’s length. Also look for the bright planet Jupiter, and somewhat dimmer Saturn, in the southeast.
The last total lunar eclipse occurred on January 21, 2019, though the last one visible from the continental U.S. was almost three years ago, on July 27, 2018. The wait until the next lunar eclipse will be much shorter, with a partial lunar eclipse due on November 19 that will be almost total, as more than 97 percent of the moon’s disk will disappear into Earth’s shadow.
A partial solar eclipse is also coming up on the morning of June 10, when the moon will partially block the sun’s light for observers in the northeastern U.S., eastern Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia.
May 18, 2021 · During this alignment, Earth blocks some of the Sun’s light from reaching the full moon. Our atmosphere filters the light as it passes, softening the edge of our planet’s shadow and giving the Moon a deep, rosy glow.
May 15, 2022 · "Blood moon" describes the way the Moon looks during a total lunar eclipse. This happens when the Moon is completely covered by Earth's shadow, because the Earth has moved between...
Oct 11, 2024 · One meaning of a "blood moon" is based on its red glow. This blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun. This hides the Moon from the sunlight. When this happens, the only light that reaches the Moon's surface is from the edges of the Earth's atmosphere.
Nov 18, 2021 · The cosmic phenomenon that will paint the lunar eclipse red on Thursday and Friday is the same force that lights up our sunsets here on Earth and makes our daytime sky blue
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Sep 22, 2022 · When grown in ideal conditions with the right temperature and humidity, Better Homes & Gardens writes that the vines on moonflowers can grow up to 20 feet long. Additionally, as a cousin of the morning glory, there's one key fact to remember when you're growing moonflowers: They're highly toxic to both pets and humans.
