If you missed the solar eclipse, fear not, for the night sky offers another celestial event. On August 27, a partial lunar eclipse and 'blood moon' will light up the night. The Americas are the best viewing spot, with Europe catching a glimpse in the early morning.
The eclipse will last about three hours and 18 minutes. At its peak, 93% of the moon will be within Earth’s shadow, casting a reddish hue due to filtered sunlight. This is thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, which only passes through red wavelengths, creating the iconic 'blood moon' effect.
Viewing tips abound: get away from light pollution, use binoculars or a telescope for enhanced detail, and even consider an astronomy club or livestream if clouds or city lights bar your view. As the moon dims, the surrounding stars will become more visible, offering a cosmic show to behold.
Meanwhile, for those in Europe, you’ll have to wait until dawn, but you might recall the stunning total solar eclipse a few weeks ago. The Americas, on the other hand, can enjoy this 'blood moon' without the wait. Whether you’re in New York, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, the viewing times will vary, with the peak in North and South America occurring at 12:14 am and 1:14 am respectively.
