As the days pass, excitement grows among skywatchers across Australia.

A rare celestial display is expected soon, promising a breathtaking sight that has fascinated people for generations.

Often described as a moon touched by twilight, this phenomenon weaves a story written in the stars.


The event is a total lunar eclipse, often called a 'blood moon' due to its striking reddish hue.

This occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly—an alignment known as a syzygy—causing the moon to pass through the Earth's shadow.

As the moon drifts into our planet's umbra, the darkest part of the shadow, it takes on a deep, rich colour that ranges from a burnt orange to a dark red.


Australians last witnessed this event over three years ago, making this Friday's eclipse a much-anticipated return.

Associate Professor Duane Hamacher of the University of Melbourne describes the process with poetic clarity:

'The moon will gradually fade from one side until it goes completely dark, then turns a deep blood-red colour. This is the total eclipse when the moon passes directly within the shadow of the Earth.'


But why does the moon turn red? It's a fascinating interplay of light and atmosphere.

‘Particles in the Earth’s atmosphere (mostly nitrogen and oxygen) scatter blue wavelengths of sunlight, a process called rayleigh scattering,’ Hamacher explained.

‘This is why the sky is blue’

Red light, with its longer wavelength, passes through with less scattering.

‘During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a magnifying glass, projecting the red light onto the moon,’ he added.
Professor Tim Bedding of The University of Sydney likens the sight to 'illuminating the moon with a sunset.'


The moon's surface, bathed in this refracted light, takes on a reddish tint, hence the moniker 'blood moon.'

While the blood moon is a sight, visibility in Australia will be limited to specific regions.

Professor Hamacher notes that the eclipse will be best viewed from North and South America, but those in eastern Australia and as far west as Africa may catch part of the eclipse.

In Australia, northern regions are more likely to get a glimpse of the moon's transformation.

For those eager to witness the event, here are the local times when the moon will be visible in various Australian cities:

• Sydney: 7:13 pm
• Canberra: 7:22 pm
• Melbourne: 7:40 pm
• Brisbane: 6:04 pm
• Adelaide: 7:35 pm
• Darwin: 7:02 pm
• Hobart: 7:32 pm

Unfortunately, Perth residents will miss out, as the moonrise occurs after the eclipse.

To maximise your viewing experience, seek out a location away from the glare of city lights.

A high vantage point with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon is ideal.

The oceanfront, for example, can provide a perfect backdrop for this natural wonder.

And for those concerned about safety, rest assured that watching a lunar eclipse is safe for your eyes.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses pose no risk to your vision.
Have you ever seen a blood moon before, and what was the experience like for you? Where do you plan to watch the eclipse from, or will you skip it this time? Let us know in the comments below.