September is bringing a treat for stargazers: a total lunar eclipse. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Moon turn a deep, reddish hue, Sept. 7 is your chance.
Visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, you don’t need much to prepare for this kind of astronomical event, as long as it’s not too cloudy, it’s easy to catch from your backyard.
Here’s everything you need to know about September’s total lunar eclipse.
When is September’s total lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will take place on Sunday, Sept. 7. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the peak will occur at 7.33 p.m. BST.
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How to see the total lunar eclipse
Viewing advice for Sunday’s total lunar eclipse is standard for any astronomical event. Head somewhere dark, as far from light pollution as you can. Binoculars and a telescope aren’t necessary, Emily Rice, an astronomer at Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, told Mashable, but if you already have them, it won’t hurt to use them.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipses happen during full moons, NASA tells us. They occur when Earth lines up exactly between the Sun and the Moon, its shadow falls on the Moon, making it look darker and sometimes giving it a dramatic red glow for a few hours.
During a total lunar eclipse, as the Moon moves into the central part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, some sunlight still reaches its surface after passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet will scatter (i.e., light being redirected as it passes through the atmosphere), while longer wavelengths (red and orange colors) make it through. That’s why the Moon appears red in color during a total lunar eclipse, according to NASA.
At any one time, a lunar eclipse can be seen from about half of the planet. This eclipse will be happening during the daytime in North and South America, so it won’t be visible to that side of the world.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
