Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. These events take place during a full moon and offer a fascinating display, often causing the Moon to dim or change color depending on the type of eclipse and atmospheric conditions.
While the eclipse is visible from about half of Earth at any given time, the experience can vary based on where you are located and the type of eclipse taking place.
The three types of lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes entirely through Earth’s central shadow, known as the umbra. As sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths scatter, allowing longer wavelengths such as red and orange to reach the Moon’s surface. This creates the “Blood Moon” effect, where the lunar surface takes on a reddish tint.
In a partial lunar eclipse, the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon is imperfect. This causes only part of the Moon to move into Earth’s shadow, creating a partial darkening of the lunar surface. The Moon will appear as though a section is shaded, with the shadow slowly advancing and retreating without fully covering the Moon.
A penumbral eclipse is much subtler than total or partial eclipses. In this type, the Moon passes through the faint outer shadow of Earth, called the penumbra. This results in only a slight dimming of the Moon, which can be hard to notice without being informed beforehand.
The upcoming Lunar Eclipse
The next lunar eclipse, set for September 17-18, 2024, will be a partial eclipse. Viewers in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia and the Pacific will have the chance to witness it.
The partial eclipse will begin at 20:41 EDT (01:41 GMT on September 18), reaching its peak at 22:44 p.m. EDT (03:44 GMT) and ending at 00:47 a.m. EDT (05:47 GMT). The entire event will last for four hours and six minutes.
In which regions will the eclipse be visible?
East Coast
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida (the Panhandle)
- Georgia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan (Detroit)
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
West Coast
- California
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington