Skywatchers across the Americas can expect a striking celestial event on the night of Aug. 28, when a total lunar eclipse — commonly called a Blood Moon — will tint the moon a deep red, according to La Nación.
The eclipse's peak moment will occur at 06:15 GMT, with the best viewing conditions expected in the western parts of each island in the Canary Islands, as reported by Forbes España. The event coincides with the Sturgeon Moon, the full moon of August, which will pass through Earth's shadow, creating the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
La Nación also notes that the eclipse will be visible from Argentina, making it a rare opportunity for observers in the Southern Hemisphere to witness the full sequence without needing specialized equipment. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the reddish hue.
The red color occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light, allowing only longer red wavelengths to reach the moon's surface — a phenomenon that gives the Blood Moon its name. The exact timing of the partial phases will vary by location, so viewers are advised to check local sunrise and moonset times to catch the event before the moon dips below the horizon.
For those in the Americas, the eclipse will be best observed in the early morning hours of Aug. 28, while viewers in the Canary Islands should look westward for optimal visibility. As with any astronomical event, clear skies and a dark location away from city lights will improve the experience.
What to watch next: Check local astronomical forecasts closer to the date for precise visibility windows in your region.
