Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Skies Tuesday, Last Until 2028
A stunning blood-red moon will soon illuminate the heavens during a total lunar eclipse, an astronomical spectacle that won't be repeated until late 2028. This celestial event offers skywatchers across multiple continents a rare opportunity to witness the moon's dramatic transformation.
Global Visibility and Timing
The eclipse will be visible Tuesday morning throughout North America, Central America, and western South America. Observers in Australia and eastern Asia can catch the display Tuesday night. Partial stages, where small sections appear bitten from the moon, will be visible from Central Asia and much of South America. Unfortunately, Africa and Europe will miss this event entirely.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
Solar and lunar eclipses occur through a precise alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. NASA notes there are typically between four and seven eclipses annually. These events often follow each other closely, capitalizing on optimal positions in the celestial bodies' orbits. Tuesday's total lunar eclipse arrives just two weeks after a 'ring of fire' solar eclipse that captivated viewers—including penguins—in Antarctica.
During a total lunar eclipse, Earth positions itself directly between the sun and the full moon, casting a shadow that completely envelops our lunar neighbor. The resulting blood moon appears red due to scattered sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, which bends longer red wavelengths toward the moon while shorter blue wavelengths scatter away.
Viewing Tips and Duration
The entire eclipse unfolds over several hours, with totality—the period when the moon is fully within Earth's shadow—lasting approximately one hour. Unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses can be safely viewed with the naked eye. "The lunar eclipse is a little more of a relaxed pace," explained Catherine Miller of Middlebury College's Mittelman Observatory.
For optimal viewing, simply find a location with clear, cloudless skies. Use forecasting apps or online celestial calendars to determine exact timing for your area. Astronomer Bennett Maruca from the University of Delaware suggests, "You don't have to be out there the whole time to see the shadows moving." Venture outside periodically to watch Earth's shadow gradually darken the moon before revealing the striking reddish-orange orb.
Future Eclipses
Another partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August, visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western Asia. However, the next total lunar eclipse won't occur until late 2028, making Tuesday's event particularly noteworthy for astronomy enthusiasts.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
