Skywatchers across the Americas and parts of Europe are preparing for a total lunar eclipse on Thursday, Aug. 27, an event that will briefly paint the moon a deep reddish hue, according to reports from El Litoral and other outlets.
The phenomenon, often called a "Blood Moon," occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that filters out most blue light and leaves only the red spectrum to reach the lunar surface. El Litoral, an Argentine newspaper, describes the event as the astronomical highlight of the year for the region, with the sky over the province of Santa Fe expected to offer a clear view of the spectacle.
The eclipse will be visible in full from much of North and South America, with observers in Mexico able to catch the event from all states, per Infobae. In Spain, the event will appear as a partial lunar eclipse, with El País noting that the moon will take on the color of "all the Earth's sunsets" during the peak phase.
For those hoping to watch, no special equipment is required. The eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, though binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view of the moon's surface as it darkens and reddens. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view directly without protective eyewear.
The exact timing of the eclipse will vary by location, with the total phase lasting roughly an hour. Observers should check local sunrise and moonset times, as the moon will be low on the horizon in some regions, which could affect visibility.
Next up for skywatchers: the next major lunar event will be a partial solar eclipse later this year, offering another chance to witness the mechanics of our solar system in motion.
