September brings a unique occasion for astronomy enthusiasts: a complete lunar eclipse. If you’ve ever wished to see the Moon shift to a deep, reddish tone, Sept. 7 is your chance.
This celestial event is observable across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, requiring very little preparation. Provided the sky is clear, you can easily enjoy it from your own backyard.
Here’s what you should be aware of regarding September’s complete lunar eclipse.
When is September’s complete lunar eclipse?
The complete lunar eclipse will take place on Sunday, Sept. 7. As stated by Royal Museums Greenwich, the peak will be at 7.33 p.m. BST.
How to view the complete lunar eclipse
<pFor Sunday's complete lunar eclipse, general viewing recommendations apply. Find a dim spot away from light interference. Binoculars and a telescope aren't needed, Emily Rice, an astronomer at Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, informed Mashable, but if you possess them, they can enrich the experience.
What constitutes a complete lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipses take place during full moons, as explained by NASA. They occur when Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon, which appears darker and may occasionally adopt a striking red tint for several hours.
During a complete lunar eclipse, as the Moon moves into the core part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, some sunlight still reaches its surface after traversing Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths such as blue and violet scatter, while longer wavelengths (red and orange hues) filter through. This results in the Moon appearing red during a complete lunar eclipse, according to NASA.
At any moment, a lunar eclipse can be witnessed from around half of the globe. This eclipse will occur in the daytime for North and South America, making it invisible there.
When is the upcoming full moon?
The upcoming full moon will be on Tuesday, Oct. 7.