How to Watch a Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon Guide)
Learning how to watch a lunar eclipse is one of the most rewarding things you can do under the night sky, and it asks nothing of you but a clear view of the Moon. During a total eclipse the Moon glides into Earth's shadow and slowly turns a deep, coppery red, which is why people call it a Blood Moon. It is gentle, slow, and completely safe to watch with your own eyes.
What is a lunar eclipse and the Blood Moon?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and full Moon line up so that Earth casts its shadow across the Moon. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is perfectly safe to look at directly, with no special glasses needed. If you are still sorting out the two, our explainer on the difference between solar and lunar eclipses clears it up in a minute.
The red glow is the magical part. Sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere and scatters away the blue, leaving only warm reds and oranges to fall on the Moon. In a sense, you are seeing every sunrise and sunset on Earth painted onto the lunar surface at once.
How to watch a lunar eclipse from your backyard
The best news is that you do not need a telescope or any gear at all. A lunar eclipse is wide, bright, and slow, so your eyes alone will catch the whole show, though binoculars add lovely detail to the reddened surface.
- Find an open spot with a clear view of the Moon and check that skies are cloud free.
- Dress warmly and bring a chair, since totality can last over an hour.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark for the deepest, richest color.
- Watch the slow phases unfold, from the first shadowy bite to full coppery totality.
- Grab binoculars if you have them for a closer look at the textured red disc.
Make the most of the night
An eclipse turns the whole sky into an event, so look around while you wait. With the Moon dimmed, fainter stars and constellations suddenly pop into view. If you are new to looking up, our guide to stargazing for beginners will help you settle in and enjoy the wait between phases.
Want to know when the next Blood Moon rises where you are? Open the Starly sky map to see the Moon's position from your exact location and plan the perfect night to watch.
Open the sky map with the Moon selected and check its altitude for eclipse night.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special glasses to watch a lunar eclipse?
No. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to look at directly. You can watch the whole thing with your unaided eyes, and binoculars simply add detail to the reddened Moon.
Why does the Moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?
Sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters away blue light and bends the leftover red and orange light onto the Moon. You are essentially seeing all of Earth's sunrises and sunsets reflected on the lunar surface at once.