Skywatchers across parts of the United States could see a rare combination this week, as the northern lights may appear alongside a total lunar eclipse, according to Forbes. The event is set for Thursday, with the outlet reporting that up to 20 states might have a chance to witness both phenomena at once.
Forbes notes that the alignment of the aurora borealis with the blood moon eclipse would create an unusual viewing opportunity for those in the right locations. The eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a reddish shadow on the lunar surface, while the northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's atmosphere.
Additional coverage from other outlets cited in the report adds context. The Guardian says early risers in the UK and Europe could also be rewarded with a view of the lunar eclipse. Euronews similarly advises waking up early on Friday for a partial lunar eclipse, depending on time zone. The Weather Channel has flagged potential cloud cover as a factor that could block the view for some US observers, while Bristol Live describes the event as "incredible" and urges UK residents not to miss it.
The exact visibility will depend on local weather conditions and geographic position, as with any celestial event. Forbes emphasizes the 20-state window for the aurora-eclipse overlap, but does not specify which states are included in that forecast.
For those hoping to catch the display, the key is to check local forecasts and look up at the right time. Whether the aurora will actually appear alongside the eclipse remains uncertain, so viewers should stay flexible and monitor updates as Thursday approaches.
