‘Blood moon’ lunar eclipse will cross U.S. weeks after solar eclipse
A near-total lunar eclipse, often called a 'blood moon,' will be visible across North and South America this Thursday. The event occurs as Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a reddish shadow on the lunar surface.
Why it matters
It provides a rare, safe-to-view astronomical event for the general public, following a recent solar eclipse in other parts of the world.
Two weeks after a total solar eclipse wowed skywatchers in southern Europe, a near-total lunar eclipse is set to put on a show Thursday night for people across North and South America. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth slips between the sun and the moon and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. During this week’s event, nearly the entire moon — 96.2% at the eclipse’s peak — will be shrouded in Earth’s shadow. Weather permitting, skywatchers in the continental U.S. will have some of the best views. The eclipse will also be visible elsewhere in North America, South America, parts of Europe and Africa. During the eclipse, Earth’s shadow will appear reddish orange on the lunar surface because of the way Earth’s atmosphere scatters light from the sun. That’s why a total lunar eclipse is also known as a “blood moon.” Thursday’s eclipse will begin at 9:23 p.m.
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