As the night sky prepares to unveil one of its most mesmerising performances, Australians are in for a celestial treat. The rare ‘blood moon’ is set to grace our skies this week, marking the first event of its kind visible from Down Under in almost three years. This is not just an astronomical event; it’s a moment of shared wonder that unites sky-gazers across the nation.
The ‘blood moon’ phenomenon, which will occur on the evening of Friday, March 14, is a spectacle that has captured human imagination for centuries. For a few fleeting moments, the moon will be bathed in a haunting red glow, creating a visual feast for the eyes and a prime opportunity for amateur astronomers and curious onlookers alike.
But what exactly is a blood moon? Despite its ominous name, a blood moon is simply a total lunar eclipse. This occurs when the Earth aligns itself between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that blocks direct sunlight from illuminating the moon’s surface. However, some sunlight still manages to reach the moon indirectly, filtered through Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light, like blue, while allowing longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, to pass through. This is what gives the moon its distinctive reddish hue during a total lunar eclipse.
The term ‘blood moon’ may not be scientific, but it has become a popular way to describe this type of eclipse due to the moon’s striking colouration. It’s a reminder of the ancient times when such events were often seen as omens or supernatural occurrences.
Lunar eclipses can happen several times a year, but not all are visible from any given location, and not all are as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse. There are penumbral eclipses, which result in only a slight dimming of the moon, and partial eclipses, where only a portion of the moon is darkened. But the total lunar eclipse, where the entire moon takes on a reddish glow, is a rarer and more awe-inspiring event.
The last blood moon visible in Australia occurred in November 2022, and after this week’s event, the next one isn’t expected until September 7 and 8, 2025. This rarity adds to the excitement and urgency to witness the phenomenon while you can.
For the best viewing experience, you’ll want to be ready at moonrise on Friday night. The eclipse will last between 55 and 80 minutes, but only part of it will be visible since it begins before the moon rises in most capital cities. The optimal time to catch the blood moon will be as the moon ascends the horizon, but be quick—the eclipse will conclude shortly after in most locations.
Here are the expected moonrise times for Australia’s capital cities on the night of the blood moon:
- Sydney – 7:13pm
- Melbourne – 7:40pm
- Brisbane – 6:04pm
- Canberra – 7:22pm
- Adelaide – 7:35pm
- Darwin – 7:02pm
- Hobart – 7:32pm
In Perth, the blood moon is unlikely to be seen, as moonrise will occur at 6:37pm local time.
To maximise your chances of a clear view, seek out a high vantage point with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Areas with minimal artificial light and no visual obstructions are ideal. However, the blood moon will still be visible from most major cities, weather permitting.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the details or find the exact timing for their location, resources like TimeandDate.com offer comprehensive visibility charts and schedules.
As we anticipate the arrival of the blood moon, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply someone who appreciates nature’s grandeur, this is an event not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare to witness one of the sky’s most enchanting displays.
What are your thoughts on this celestial event? Have you seen a blood moon before? Will you be watching this one? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Also read: Moon placed on World Monument Fund list of heritage sites in need of protection
