Anticipation for the Total Lunar Eclipse 'Blood Moon' on Sunday

SadaNews - Astronomy enthusiasts will get the opportunity to see the Blood Moon on Sunday during a total lunar eclipse observed mainly in Asia, but also somewhat in Europe and Africa.

This phenomenon, which colors Earth's moon red, occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly aligned in that order, while the moon is in its full phase.

The best chance to view this phenomenon will be in China and India, as well as for residents of East Africa and Western Australia.

In Europe, the sight will be visible briefly as the moon rises early in the evening.

The color of the moon turns red as it slides into Earth's shadow, blocking sunlight and gradually losing its white shimmer.

Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan from the "University of Belfast" explained that the only sunlight reaching it "is reflected and scattered through Earth's atmosphere."

However, the blue wavelengths of light are shorter than red wavelengths, making them easier to scatter as they pass through Earth's atmosphere.

Milligan noted that "this is what gives the moon its blood-like red color."

While observing a solar eclipse requires special glasses, on the other hand, only favorable weather and a clear sky are needed to see a lunar eclipse from the right location.

This total lunar eclipse, the second this year following the eclipse observed in March, is a precursor to the major solar eclipse expected next year on August 12, 2026.

This total solar eclipse, the first in Europe since 2006, will be fully visible in Spain and Iceland, and partially in other countries.