The longest Total Lunar Eclipse since 2022 is happening this September

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Save the date and set an alarm! This September, there’s a Lunar Eclipse worth waking up for.

As we head into spring, Adelaide will be treated to the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022. Known as a Blood Moon for its dark reddish hue, this celestial show will be visible in its entirety across Australia in the early hours of Monday, September 8th, as well as parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The lunar eclipse will unfold over five and a half hours, with the totality lasting a spectacular 1 hour and 22 minutes. Throughout this period, you’ll be able to witness that eerie crimson glow that photographers and stargazers love. This is because of the Earth’s rotation, which causes the curvature of the shadow’s path and the apparent rotation of the Moon’s disk.

In Adelaide, the eclipse kicks off just after midnight, with the penumbral phase beginning at 12:58am. This is when the Earth’s penumbra, or the outer part of its shadow where the Earth only blocks some of the sunlight, starts touching the Moon’s face. This is followed by the partial eclipse at 1:57am, which is when the Moon begins to turn red. The real magic happens from 3am, when totality begins, peaking at 3:41am, before fading at 4:22am. This is when the Moon will be closest to the centre of the shadow, and the most red. The show will wrap up by 6:25am, when the Earth’s penumbra ends.

Fingers crossed for clear skies, as this will mean uninterrupted viewing of every stage. The Moon will be above the horizon during this eclipse, so with good weather conditions in Adelaide, the entire eclipse will be visible.

Anywhere with an unobstructed view of the night sky will make for good viewing, but for the best experience, head to darker spots away from city lights. Try beaches, hilltops or wide-open parklands. Bring a picnic blanket, a warm drink, and maybe a camera to capture the moment.

If you’re just as excited as us for the eclipse, just know that a lunar eclipse never comes alone! This one will be followed by a Partial Solar Eclipse just two weeks later on September 21st, making the start of spring a double treat for astronomy lovers. And while it won’t be visible here in SA, but instead visible in the eastern states, there’s another total eclipse coming up in March that we’ll get a front row seat to.

Whether you’re an avid stargazer or just looking for your first foray into the world of lunar eclipses, this rare and beautiful phenomenon is worth checking out.