WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): For the first time since late 2022, we will be seeing the famed “Blood Moon” in the sky overnight. Set your alarms, as the total lunar eclipse will reach maximum totality at 2:58 AM overnight tonight!\
HOW IT HAPPENS: The lunar eclipse is caused by the Earth blocking the moon from the sun. In turn, sunlight won’t be able to reach the moon during the eclipse. The Earth’s shadow has two different areas, the penumbra and umbra. The penumbra is the outer, partially shaded area of the shadow, which doesn’t cause the total lunar eclipse. Meanwhile, the umbra is the central, darker, and completely shaded part of the shadow. The umbra is what causes a total lunar eclipse.
However, instead of disappearing, the moon turns a red hue. This is caused by Rayleigh Scattering, a phenomenon where light reflects off of the molecules of the air and scatters in random directions. The red hue is seen since red light will scatter less than other colors. This is also the same phenomenon that causes those beautiful sunset colors!
THE TIMELINE: The partial eclipse will begin at 1:09 AM overnight, where you will start to see the moon fading in the sky. Totality will begin at 2:26 AM, which is when we will start to see the red hue of the blood moon. Maximum Totality will be seen at 2:58 AM, where the moon will be closest to the center of Earth’s umbra. Totality will fade at 3:31 AM, giving us an hour and 5 minutes of totality for this event. The moon will move out of Earth’s shadow, ending the partial eclipse at 4:47 AM.
VIEWING TIPS: First thing’s first, set those alarms for 2:55 AM so you can get out there for maximum totality! Here are some tips for those wanting to view this celestial event:
- No equipment is needed! A telescope or binoculars will enhance your view, but are not necessary.
- Clouds are going to start clearing out, but not completely. Try and find a place with less coverage if warranted. (But also BE SAFE!)
- Areas with less light will yield a better view as less light pollution will be in the area.
