A spectacular astronomical event is set to unfold on Sunday, September 7, when the September full moon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse — creating the phenomenon often called a “Blood Moon.” The eclipse will be visible with the naked eye, including from Greece.
The lunar eclipse will already be underway at moonrise, beginning in its partial phase, when only part of the Moon is darkened by Earth’s shadow. Around 8:30 p.m., the full eclipse will start, as the Moon moves completely into Earth’s shadow, turning darker.
By just after 9:00 p.m., the eclipse will reach its peak, with the Moon glowing in deep shades of red. The total phase will end at around 9:50 p.m., but the partial eclipse will continue until about 11:00 p.m. The Moon will remain dim until close to midnight as it passes through the penumbra, or lighter shadow, of the Earth.
This reddish appearance is why the event is known as a “Blood Moon.” The red glow occurs because Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight, filtering out blue wavelengths and allowing red light to reach the Moon’s surface.
Later in September, the Moon will move into its third quarter phase on the 14th and become a new moon on the 21st, when it will not be visible from Earth. That same day, a partial solar eclipse will take place, observable from New Zealand, Antarctica, and surrounding regions. The month will end with the Moon reaching its first quarter phase on September 30.