Skywatchers across much of the United States will have an opportunity Thursday night to see a striking near-total lunar eclipse, with more than 96% of the moon expected to pass through Earth’s shadow at the event’s peak.
The celestial event comes about two weeks after a total solar eclipse captivated observers in southern Europe. Unlike a solar eclipse, Thursday’s lunar eclipse will be safe to watch without protective eyewear and should be visible across large portions of the Americas, weather permitting.
What Happens During Thursday’s Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the sun and the moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface.
During Thursday’s eclipse, the alignment will be close to — but not quite — a total lunar eclipse. At maximum eclipse, approximately 96.2% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s darker shadow.
That means only a small portion of the lunar disk will remain outside the deepest part of the shadow.
Why the Moon May Turn Reddish Orange
As the eclipse progresses, much of the moon may take on a reddish or orange appearance.
The effect occurs because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is filtered and scattered. Shorter blue wavelengths are scattered more strongly, while red and orange wavelengths are more likely to pass through the atmosphere and reach the moon.
The same phenomenon gives total lunar eclipses their popular nickname: a “blood moon.”
Because Thursday’s event is technically a near-total eclipse, viewers can expect most of the moon to display the dramatic coloring associated with a total lunar eclipse.
What Time Is the Lunar Eclipse in the U.S.?
The eclipse begins Thursday at 9:23 p.m. Eastern Time, when the moon starts entering the outer portion of Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra.
The more noticeable phase begins at 10:33 p.m. ET, when the moon starts moving into Earth’s darker central shadow. At that point, observers should begin seeing what looks like a dark “bite” being taken out of the lunar disk.
Peak Eclipse Arrives Shortly After Midnight
The eclipse will reach its maximum at 12:12 a.m. ET Friday, when more than 96% of the lunar surface will be covered.
For viewers across the continental United States, the key times are:
- Eastern Time: Peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday
- Central Time: Peak at 11:12 p.m. Thursday
- Mountain Time: Peak at 10:12 p.m. Thursday
- Pacific Time: Peak at 9:12 p.m. Thursday
The entire event concludes at approximately 3:01 a.m. ET Friday, when the moon leaves the outer edge of Earth’s shadow.
Where Will the Lunar Eclipse Be Visible?
The continental United States will be particularly well positioned to see the eclipse, provided skies remain clear.
Most observers across North and South America should be able to watch every stage of the event. Exceptions include Alaska and some of the northernmost areas of Canada, where viewing conditions and the moon’s position will differ.
The eclipse will also be visible from parts of Europe and Africa. In those regions, however, it will occur early Friday and the moon will set while the eclipse is still underway.
How to Get the Best View
No special safety equipment is required to observe a lunar eclipse.
Unlike a solar eclipse, looking directly at the moon during a lunar eclipse poses no danger to the eyes. Viewers can simply step outside and watch with the naked eye.
Binoculars can make the reddish coloring and changing shadow more prominent, while a telescope can provide detailed views of lunar craters and other surface features as Earth’s shadow moves across them.
A location with an unobstructed view of the sky and limited artificial lighting can provide the clearest experience, though the eclipse should remain visible even from many cities and suburbs.
A Major Late-Summer Skywatching Event
Thursday night’s near-total lunar eclipse will offer Americans a relatively easy astronomical event to observe, requiring no protective glasses or specialized equipment.
With 96.2% of the moon entering Earth’s shadow at the peak, viewers across much of the continental U.S. can expect an unusually dramatic lunar display, highlighted by the reddish-orange glow associated with a blood moon.
Herman Melville is a contributor at TechNewsInc, covering a diverse range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current affairs and developments through relevant, accessible, and engaging stories.
