A total lunar eclipse is set to light up the night sky, turning the moon a striking red on Thursday night into Friday morning for viewers across the Western Hemisphere. This celestial event will be best seen from North America and South America, though parts of Africa and Europe may catch a glimpse as well.
Lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly aligned. This alignment allows the Earth to cast its shadow on the moon, creating an impressive sight that can partially or fully obscure the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the full moon is bathed in a coppery red hue, a phenomenon caused by sunlight filtering through the Earth’s atmosphere.
According to NASA, lunar and solar eclipses happen about four to seven times each year. Last September, a partial lunar eclipse was visible across the Americas, Africa, and Europe, while the last total lunar eclipse took place in 2022.
For those interested in witnessing this event, the so-called “blood moon” will be visible for approximately an hour starting at 2:26 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, with the peak viewing time close to 3 a.m. It’s an easy sight to behold—just step outside and look up, as no special glasses or equipment are needed. As long as the sky is clear, astronomy experts, such as Shannon Schmoll from Michigan State University, assure that it should be visible.
However, viewers in Europe and Africa may find it challenging to see the eclipse as the moon will be setting during this time. Experts like Michael Faison from Yale University emphasize that this eclipse is primarily for those in North and South America.
For those who miss this event, there’s no need to be disappointed. Another total lunar eclipse is scheduled for September 7, which will be visible in parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Meanwhile, North and South America will have to wait until March 2026 for their next chance.
Lunar eclipses have captivated civilizations for thousands of years. Historian Zoe Ortiz from the University of North Texas notes that ancient peoples had a much greater understanding of celestial events than many realize. Aristotle, for example, noted the curved shadow cast on the moon during eclipses, providing evidence of the Earth’s round shape. In ancient Mesopotamia, the blood moon was seen as an ominous sign for kings, leading to the unusual practice of appointing a temporary king during the eclipse to protect the ruler from potential ill fortune.
As we look towards the skies, it’s a reminder of the deep connection our ancestors had with the cosmos, a bond that still draws wonder and curiosity today.
