Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon Visible Worldwide
The total lunar eclipse and partial solar eclipse are part of a series of celestial events that will be visible in the coming weeks, offering a unique opportunity for people to witness rare astronomical phenomena. The events are a result of the moon's orbit and its interaction with the Earth and sun.
A total lunar eclipse, also known as a "Blood Moon," was visible in the South East of England and will be seen across the Western Hemisphere on Friday, transforming the full moon into a reddish hue. The eclipse's peak begins at 2:26 a.m. ET and lasts about an hour, with the moon appearing coppery, orange, or red.
The eclipse is easily visible with the naked eye and no special equipment is needed, unlike solar eclipses. The event is caused by Earth passing between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon. The shadow has a darker inner part, the umbra, and a lighter outer part, the penumbra. The moon will pass through the umbra, causing it to darken and take on a reddish hue.
The eclipse will be visible in western Africa and Europe, the Americas, eastern Australia, New Zealand, northern Japan, and eastern Russia. This is the second time the phenomenon has been seen in the UK in two years, following a similar event in May 2022. The moon will appear full on Friday morning and will be at its fullest at 2:55 a.m. ET.
The total lunar eclipse will be followed by a partial solar eclipse on March 29, which will be visible across parts of the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Russia. The partial solar eclipse will see 93% of the sun covered in northern Quebec, Canada, and a "horned sunrise" will be visible in parts of northeast US and Canada.
The eclipse season, which occurs twice a year, will bring another opportunity for people to witness a rare celestial event. It is essential to use proper eye protection when viewing the partial solar eclipse, and observers should use certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers.
