For the first time in more than two years, the Earth will make its way between the sun and moon, resulting in a total lunar eclipse, also known as the “blood moon,” later this week.
The upcoming lunar eclipse is set to occur on Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning. Unlike the more rare total solar eclipse, which had a path of totality through only a portion of the United States last year, the total lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states.
Here’s what to know about this week’s total lunar eclipse.
When is the total lunar eclipse?
The upcoming total lunar eclipse will start on Thursday night and continue through the early hours of Friday. For those in North America, the eclipse will start around 12:55 a.m. ET. The eclipse is expected to last more than three and a half hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Who will have the best view of the total lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America and western parts of Europe and Africa.
How to best view the total lunar eclipse
While special equipment isn’t necessary to take in a total lunar eclipse, telescopes and binoculars can enhance the viewing experience. Regardless, a dark location, away from light pollution and trees, is best.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned exactly between the moon and sun. The Earth casts a shadow on the surface of the moon, dimming it.
The moon doesn’t produce its own light. It shines because its surface reflects the sun’s rays. So when the Earth blocks the sun, a lunar eclipse occurs.
During a total lunar eclipse, some sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and then hits the moon’s surface. Because these longer wavelengths make it through the atmosphere, the shorter wavelengths have scattered away, making the moon appear orange or red, according to NASA. The more dust or clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere, the redder the moon.
Are lunar eclipses rare?
Total lunar eclipses aren’t considered rare, as they occur about every two and a half years, according to Astronomy, an outer space magazine.
When was the last total lunar eclipse?
The last total lunar eclipse was on Nov. 8, 2022.
When is the next lunar eclipse?
The next total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. after this week is predicted for March 3, 2026, according to NASA.
What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the sun and moon. During a solar eclipse, the moon comes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light from reaching Earth.