How to See and Capture the Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

Time-lapse Photography of Moon (Source: Pexels)

How to See and Capture the Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse

The highly anticipated blood moon total lunar eclipse is set to take place from Thursday night into Friday morning. If weather conditions are favorable, sky-watchers can expect a spectacular celestial display that is easy to observe and even photograph.

This week, those across the Western Hemisphere are in for a treat as the full moon takes on a crimson hue during a total lunar eclipse.

According to EarthSky, this eclipse will be visible across multiple regions, including western Africa, western Europe, the Americas, eastern Australia, New Zealand, northern Japan, and eastern Russia. Depending on your location, you can check the Time and Date website to determine the exact visibility of the event in your area, weather permitting.

Understanding a Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse takes place when Earth moves between the sun and the moon, aligning in such a way that the moon passes through Earth’s shadow. This astronomical alignment is known as syzygy.

When the moon enters the darkest section of Earth’s shadow, referred to as the umbra, it adopts a striking reddish glow, leading to the term “blood moon,” as noted by NASA. This effect occurs because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight around the shadow’s edges, casting sunset-like hues onto the moon’s surface.

The total eclipse will peak at 2:26 a.m. ET on Friday and will last approximately an hour, with fascinating moments occurring before and after totality.

What You Need to Know

What Happens During a Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align so that the full moon moves into Earth’s umbra, giving it a reddish-orange tint. Historically, this phenomenon instilled fear in ancient civilizations, as it was sometimes perceived as an ominous sign.

The most recent total lunar eclipse happened in November 2022.

Lunar eclipses differ from solar eclipses, which occur when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking sunlight.

When and Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?

Anyone in the Western Hemisphere with clear skies will have the opportunity to witness the eclipse, including all U.S. states.

The moon’s transformation will begin just before midnight EDT on Thursday, with the eclipse officially starting a little after 1 a.m. EDT on Friday. The total eclipse will take place between approximately 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. EDT.

Do You Need Special Glasses for Viewing?

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses do not require protective eyewear, as no direct sunlight is involved.

Although telescopes and binoculars are not necessary, they can enhance the viewing experience. For optimal visibility, consider moving away from artificial lighting.

Capturing the Blood Moon on Your Phone

A smartphone can produce impressive images of the blood moon total lunar eclipse, and using a telescope can significantly improve photo quality.

Stability is crucial for capturing clear images. For best results, place your phone on a tripod and align the camera with a telescope’s eyepiece.

Will Weather Conditions Be Favorable?

According to senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman from weather.com:

• The best viewing conditions on Thursday night are expected in parts of the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and central Plains.
• Some areas in the Florida Peninsula and Deep South Texas may also experience minimal cloud coverage.
• Meanwhile, regions spanning the Rockies and Great Basin—including Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona—could see showers or snowfall at higher elevations.
• Additionally, high-altitude clouds might cover the northern U.S. from the Dakotas to New England.

For the most accurate forecast, stay tuned to weather updates.

When is the Next Eclipse?

On April 29, a partial solar eclipse will obscure a section of the sun for a brief period in select parts of the Northeast.

What to Expect During the Eclipse

Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the sun appears to vanish, the moon will remain visible during the total lunar eclipse, glowing in shades of red and orange due to sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere. The presence of clouds or atmospheric dust will influence the moon’s hue, making it appear more vivid.

While total solar eclipses last only a few minutes, this total lunar eclipse will linger in Earth’s shadow for over an hour. The entire process, from the moon entering to exiting Earth’s shadow, will take approximately six hours.

• 11:57 p.m. ET Thursday – The moon enters Earth’s penumbra (outer shadow). Initial dimming is subtle, becoming slightly more noticeable around 12:30 a.m. ET.
• 1:09 a.m. ET Friday – Partial eclipse begins as the moon moves into Earth’s umbra, appearing as if a "bite" has been taken out of its side.
• 2:26 a.m. ET – Total eclipse begins, lasting for 65 minutes.
• 2:59 a.m. ET – Peak of the eclipse.
• 3:31 a.m. ET – Total eclipse concludes.
• 4:48 a.m. ET – The partial eclipse phase ends.
• 6:00 a.m. ET – The moon fully exits Earth’s outer shadow, marking the eclipse’s conclusion.

During this period, Jupiter and Mars will be visible in the western sky, and with the moon’s glow dimmed by Earth’s shadow, constellations may become easier to spot.

The Full Worm Moon

Total lunar eclipses coincide with full moons, and this one aligns with March’s "worm moon." The moon will reach peak fullness at 2:55 a.m. ET on Friday and will appear full until Saturday morning, as stated by NASA.

Historically, some Indigenous tribes associated the term "worm moon" with the seasonal return of earthworms in warming soil. However, the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests the term may also refer to beetle larvae emerging from thawing tree bark.