A near-total lunar eclipse will peak Thursday night, with 96.2% of the moon’s surface obscured by Earth’s shadow, creating a reddish hue visible across North and South America, parts of Europe, and Africa. The event begins at 9:23 p.m. ET and reaches its maximum coverage at 12:12 a.m. ET Friday, ending at 3:01 a.m. ET.
Skywatchers in the continental U.S. and most of the Americas will have optimal viewing conditions, weather permitting, as the eclipse progresses through its penumbral, partial, and peak phases. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles will host a public viewing event from 7:25 p.m. to 10 p.m. PT, though parking may be limited due to a nearby concert. For those unable to attend in person, a live broadcast will be available online.
The eclipse’s reddish-orange tint, often called a "blood moon," results from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere and scattering shorter blue wavelengths, leaving longer red wavelengths to illuminate the moon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be safely observed with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes.
Timing and Visibility by Region
The eclipse will be visible in its entirety for most viewers in the Americas, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. In Europe and Africa, the event will begin early Friday morning, with the moon setting before completion. Los Angeles residents will see the moon rise at 7:18 p.m. PT, with the main partial eclipse phase starting at 7:34 p.m. PT and peaking at 9:13 p.m. PT.
Historical Context
This lunar eclipse follows a total solar eclipse on October 25, which darkened skies over parts of southern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Russia. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth aligns between the sun and moon, casting a shadow that gradually envelops the lunar surface. The next total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. is expected on March 14, 2025, according to astronomical projections.
Viewing Tips
For the best experience, observers are advised to find locations with minimal light pollution and clear skies. The Griffith Observatory noted that while this is a partial eclipse, its near-totality will still produce a dramatic reddish glow. No special equipment is required, but telescopes or binoculars can enhance visibility of surface details during the eclipse’s progression.