Total Lunar Eclipse 'Blood Moon' Visible in the Americas

A rare total lunar eclipse, known as a 'blood moon,' will be visible in the Americas, parts of western Europe, Africa, and New Zealand, featuring over an hour of totality and a reddish hue on the moon due to atmospheric scattering of sunlight. The eclipse will occur simultaneously across time zones, starting at 2:26 am EDT and 11:26 pm PDT.

Total Lunar Eclipse

People in North America and South America will have the best view of an upcoming total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'blood moon'. Lunar eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth's shadow. Viewers do not need special equipment to see the eclipse, but binoculars or a telescope might enhance the experience. The Moon appears red-orange during a total lunar eclipse due to sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere. Different civilizations have historically viewed lunar eclipses in various ways.