Mark Your Calendars: A Celestial Show Awaits!

Get ready for a jaw-dropping astronomical event this weekend as a spectacular total lunar eclipse graces the night sky! On the evening of September 7-8, stargazers across Australia, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe will have the best seats to witness this breathtaking phenomenon—a mesmerizing "blood moon".

What Makes This Eclipse Special?

Lasting an impressive five hours, this eclipse features the full Corn Moon gliding through Earth's shadow, taking on a striking copper-reddish hue for an incredible 82 minutes. This eclipse marks the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022, so you definitely won’t want to miss it!

A Global Spectacle!

Unlike a solar eclipse, which is confined to a narrow viewing path, this total lunar eclipse will be visible from anywhere on the night side of the Earth. While North America is out of luck this time, an astonishing 5.8 billion people worldwide—approximately 71% of the global population—will be able to catch a glimpse of this amazing event.

Best Viewing Locations!

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in Australia will be among the first to enjoy the sight of totality, followed by major cities like Tokyo and Seoul. In Europe, viewers in Moscow, Ankara, and Bucharest can witness the moon’s dramatic transformation at moonrise.

No Special Gear Needed!

Fortunately, lunar eclipses are visible to the naked eye, so you won’t need any special equipment to enjoy the show. However, if you want to see the moon’s surface details up close, grab a decent backyard telescope or a pair of stargazing binoculars for an unforgettable experience.

A Rare Opportunity!

For those in North America, the wait for another total lunar eclipse won’t be long! After missing this weekend's spectacle, the next opportunity to see one will be on March 14, 2025. But don’t forget, the short lunar eclipse on March 2-3, 2026, is on the horizon!

When to Watch!

The total lunar eclipse on September 7-8 will begin at 11:28 a.m. EDT (15:28 UTC), first moving through the penumbra, where the moon will lose brightness. The magic happens at 1:30 p.m. EDT (17:30 UTC) when the moon will be fully immersed in the umbra and glow a stunning copper-red color until 2:52 p.m. EDT (18:52 UTC). After that, the moon will slowly exit the shadow until the event concludes at 4:55 p.m. EDT (20:55 UTC). Get your cameras ready and enjoy this celestial wonder!