The 2019 total lunar eclipse will happen between January 20 and 21. You can see it, if you are one of the lucky ones who live on the night side of the Earth when it happens, which includes North America, South America, some parts of Europe and a small part of Africa.
A lunar eclipse happens when the shadow of the Earth casts on the moon. A total lunar eclipse is when the shadow of the Earth covers the entire moon. In contrast to a total solar eclipse that only lasts for a few minutes, a total lunar eclipse usually last for a few hours, because the shadow of the Earth cast on the moon (lunar eclipse) is much larger than the shadow of the moon cast on the Earth (solar eclipse). Here are my articles about viewing a solar eclipse.
Why is it called a blood moon?
If you have heard of a “blood moon” and wonder about what it is, a blood moon refers to a total lunar eclipse. When the shadow of the Earth covers the moon entirely, the moon turns a reddish color. The cause of this reddish color is similar to the cause of a red sunset: the blue light is scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere and the red light is refracted onto the moon.
Here is a nice video clip from NASA describing how a lunar eclipse happens.
Why do solar eclipses and lunar eclipses come in pairs?
I find that it is interesting that a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse always accompany each other. There is a so-called “eclipse season”. Because the moon surrounds the Earth with an angle, called orbital inclination, an eclipse doesn’t happen every new moon or full moon. Instead, there is an eclipse season when the moon’s orbital inclination is low (the sun, the moon, and the earth are closer to being in line).
An eclipse season lasts about 35 days. There are two full eclipse seasons each year. During an eclipse season, two or three eclipses happen. This is because it is about 15 days between a full moon and a new moon. There is always one solar eclipse and one lunar eclipse in each eclipse season. It is possible to squeeze in three eclipses in one eclipse season, if the first one happens at the very beginning of the eclipse season.
What to prepare for viewing the 2019 total lunar eclipse
A camera and a tripod: You don’t want to miss the chance to take a picture of the 2019 total lunar eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse that only lasts for a minute or two, the total lunar eclipse phase is much longer. There will be enough time for you to take different pictures of a total lunar eclipse. A tripod would help a lot because a nighttime shot usually takes longer exposure time and any shaking of the camera will mess up the pictures.
Warm clothing: If you live in the northern hemisphere, you will need warm clothing for a cold winter night out.
Scout a good viewing spot ahead of time: Unlike a total solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse can be seen everywhere on the night side of the Earth. This makes the viewing spot a lot more flexible. You may choose to view the lunar eclipse in your backyard, by the ocean, or in front of a recognizable monument.
Having fun viewing the 2019 total lunar eclipse! Don’t forget to share a photo with me!
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