5 Minutes
When and where to see the Blood Moon
Stargazers across Asia will have a prime view of a total lunar eclipse this Sunday night, when Earth's shadow will turn the full Moon a deep red hue often called a 'Blood Moon'. The complete phase of the eclipse is predicted to run from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT. Observers in India, China and much of Asia should see the full totality, while viewers on the eastern edge of Africa and in western Australia will also be well placed. In parts of Europe and northern Africa, the event will be visible only as a brief partial eclipse at moonrise. Observers in the Americas will unfortunately miss this event due to local daylight.
Scientific background: Why the Moon turns red
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon align and the Moon passes into Earth's shadow. Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires eye protection to view safely, a lunar eclipse can be watched with the unaided eye as long as skies are clear. During totality, the Moon takes on a reddish appearance because the only sunlight reaching the lunar surface has been refracted, scattered and filtered through Earth's atmosphere. Shorter blue wavelengths are scattered away more effectively, leaving longer red and orange wavelengths to illuminate the Moon, producing the characteristic 'blood' tint. Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen's University Belfast, described this process succinctly: the remaining light is 'reflected and scattered through the Earth's atmosphere', which is what gives the Moon its red, bloody colour.
Details for observers and scientific value
Visibility: The total phase from 17:30–18:52 GMT represents the period when the Moon is entirely inside Earth's umbra (the darkest part of the shadow). Regions where the Moon is above the horizon during that interval will see totality; where it is rising or setting, observers may only catch a partial eclipse.
Equipment and safety: No special filters or eclipse glasses are required to view a lunar eclipse. Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance surface detail and color, but a clear sky and a good viewing location away from city light pollution are the most important factors.
Scientific opportunities: Lunar eclipses also offer researchers a way to study Earth's atmosphere. The spectrum of sunlight refracted through the atmosphere and cast on the Moon carries information about atmospheric composition, aerosols and volcanic dust. Astronomers can perform photometric and spectroscopic observations during totality to monitor these signatures and track changes over time.
Context and upcoming eclipses
This is the first total lunar eclipse since March of this year, the previous total being in 2022. For eclipse chasers, the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, is already on the horizon. That event will be a rare total solar eclipse visible along a narrow path across mainland Europe—chiefly Spain and Iceland—with a roughly 160-kilometre band between Madrid and Barcelona intersecting the path of totality (although neither Madrid nor Barcelona will lie directly within the central line). Milligan, who has travelled extensively to observe eclipses and has witnessed a dozen totalities, called the current lunar event a prelude to the 'big one' in 2026.
Observation tips and public engagement
If you plan to watch: check local moonrise times and cloud forecasts, find a dark horizon with an unobstructed eastern view (for regions catching moonrise), and arrive early to let your eyes adapt to the dark. Community observatories, astronomy clubs and planetariums often organise public viewing events that include telescopes, commentary and outreach activities—these are great ways to learn more and see the eclipse through larger instruments.
Expert Insight
'A lunar eclipse is one of the most accessible celestial events for both the public and researchers,' says Dr. Priya Natarajan, observational astronomer and science communicator. 'Beyond the spectacle, these events let us probe Earth's atmosphere indirectly. Amateur astronomers can contribute useful timing and brightness measurements that complement professional data. For anyone planning to watch, choose a clear, dark site and enjoy the subtle color changes as the Moon moves through Earth's shadow.' Dr Natarajan recommends photographing the event with a tripod-mounted camera and experimenting with exposure settings to capture the red tones without overexposing the bright lunar limb.
Conclusion
This total lunar eclipse offers a widely visible celestial display and a practical demonstration of atmospheric optics. Whether you are an amateur astronomer, a photographer, or a casual skywatcher, the event provides a safe, spectacular opportunity to observe Earth and Moon dynamics. Mark your local timing, find a clear vantage point, and look skyward for the Blood Moon.
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