Skywatchers Marvel at Blood Moon During Total Lunar Eclipse

Skywatchers around the globe were treated to a stunning display of a crimson Blood Moon during a total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2023. The event was visible in various regions, including parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, with observers in India and China having the prime vantage points for the total eclipse.

The eclipse commenced at 23:28 local time in Singapore, reaching its peak at 02:11 on September 8 before concluding at 04:55. Unfortunately, cloudy conditions hampered visibility for many in Singapore. The Astronomical Society of Singapore deployed a team to PassionWave @ Marina Bay in hopes of capturing the phenomenon. They expressed their disappointment on social media, stating, “Unfortunately, the Moon was never out of the clouds… while we all got shots of the Moon during the partial umbra phase, it was not great through cloud cover.” Despite the challenges, some locals managed to photograph the Blood Moon, sharing images of it above landmarks like Marina Bay Sands.

The unique reddish hue of the Moon during a lunar eclipse occurs when sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere. According to Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, “Blue wavelengths of light are shorter than red ones, so they are more easily dispersed as they travel through Earth’s atmosphere. That’s what gives the Moon its red, bloody colour.”

While solar eclipses require protective eyewear to observe safely, lunar eclipses can be viewed without any special equipment, provided the weather cooperates. The last total lunar eclipse occurred in March 2023, while the previous one was in 2022.

Looking ahead, skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will be visible in a narrow band across parts of Europe. As the celestial dance continues, astronomy enthusiasts around the world remain eager for the next chance to experience these awe-inspiring astronomical events.