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There’s a blood moon on the rise

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Skywatchers in Adams County and across the United States will have an opportunity to see a near-total lunar eclipse Thursday night, weather permitting.

During the eclipse, 96.2% of the moon will pass into Earth’s shadow, causing the lunar surface to take on a reddish-orange appearance. The color has given total lunar eclipses the popular name “blood moons.”

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The eclipse will begin at 9:23 p.m. Eastern time, when the moon enters the lighter outer portion of Earth’s shadow. Changes during this early stage may be difficult to notice.

The more visible phase will begin at 10:33 p.m., when the darker part of Earth’s shadow starts moving across the moon. Viewers may initially see what appears to be a bite taken from the lunar disk.

The eclipse will reach its peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday, with more than 96% of the moon covered. The moon will then gradually move out of Earth’s shadow, with the entire event ending at 3:01 a.m.

For the best view, find an open area with a clear view of the sky and as little artificial light as possible. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely without protective glasses. Binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer and more dramatic look, but no special equipment is necessary.

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the sun and a full moon. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered, allowing more red and orange wavelengths to reach the moon and creating its coppery glow.

Nearly every stage of Thursday night’s eclipse will be visible from the continental United States, as well as most of North and South America. People in parts of Europe and Africa will see only a portion of the event before the moon sets.

The eclipse comes two weeks after a total solar eclipse darkened skies in parts of Europe. Solar and lunar eclipses often occur in pairs because a solar eclipse happens during a new moon and a lunar eclipse can follow roughly two weeks later during a full moon.

The next lunar eclipse is expected overnight Feb. 20-21 and should be visible across much of the world, including North America.

Source: NBC, The Weather Channel

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