How to catch a glimpse of the fiery blood moon eclipse
There’s a blood moon rising and Australian skywatchers are perfectly placed to get a good view of the rare “celestial sunset” in the early hours of September 8.
Source: Secrets of the Universe
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the moon moves into the inner part of Earth’s shadow (umbra).
That means only some of the sun’s rays, those with longer wavelengths such as red and orange, can pass through the Earth’s atmosphere to reach the moon, turning it a crimson or copper hue.
This month’s total lunar eclipse blood moon will be visible to more than six billion people worldwide and last longer than the last one in March.
NASA says it will be visible in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Associate Professor Devika Kamath, an astrophysicist at Macquarie University, said viewing conditions were especially favourable for this blood moon.
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It is expected to be visible in its entirety from across Australia, with particularly favourable skies expected in the west.
“For Australian observers, this is a rare treat: not only will the Moon be high above the horizon during totality, but the timing offers excellent visibility without needing special equipment,” Kamath says.
“Just step outside, look up, and witness the mechanics of our solar system in motion.”
The total eclipse will last about 5½ hours, starting just before 1.30am AEST on Monday, with the penumbral eclipse when the moon enters the Earth’s outer shadow.
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A blood moon lunar eclipse, from the full moon to the totality phase. Photo: NASA
The next stages – the partial and then total eclipse – occur over the following two hours, with the moon moving into darker shadow and then becoming bathed in a reddish colour from 3.30am until 4.11am.
The “maximum eclipse”, when the Earth is deepest within the moon’s shadow, is expected at 4.11am AEST.
Kamath said that unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses could be watched with the naked eye, although binoculars or a small telescope could enhance the view, revealing subtle colour gradients and topographic detail.
She noted that the exact colour of a lunar eclipse blood moon depended on what’s “floating in the atmosphere”.
“A clear sky might give the moon a burnt orange tint. But after volcanic eruptions or major bushfires, atmospheric particles can deepen the colour to a blood-red or even brick tone,” Kamath said.
“It’s a beautiful, planetary-scale display of light, dust, and geometry.”
Although not quite as spectacular as a super moon – which is bigger and brighter – the blood moon will look slightly larger than normal and “will certainly feel like a supersized celestial spectacle”, Katmath said.
The next total lunar eclipse is due in March 2026.
