Due to a partial lunar eclipse, the moon will briefly turn a blood-red color.
FLORIDA, USA — A blood moon lunar eclipse will be visible from Florida overnight on Thursday.
According to NASA, the lunar eclipse will take place the night of Thursday, Aug. 27 into the early morning of Friday, Aug. 28 in some parts of the world. The astronomical event is considered a partial lunar eclipse for the western half of the U.S., but the full effect is visible in Florida.
NASA scientists say the height of the eclipse will last 3 hours and 28 minutes, starting at 9:23 p.m. and ending at 1:51 a.m. Eastern Time. The eclipse will peak at 12:14 a.m. on Friday, making that the best viewing time.
A lunar eclipse occurs at the full moon phase, according to NASA, and often results in what we call a blood moon.
“When Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and Sun, Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon, dimming it and sometimes turning the lunar surface a striking red over the course of a few hours,” the NASA website reads.
Lunar eclipses are not harmful to the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses. No special glasses or telescopes are required to view this atmospheric phenomenon.
Where is the best place to view the lunar eclipse?
To see the eclipse, all you have to do is go outside and look up at the sky.
For a clear, unobstructed view, take a trip to a local park or open field, or watch from an elevated surface like a rooftop to see over the trees — just be careful.
In the Tampa Bay area, waterfront areas like Bayshore Boulevard, the Dunedin Causeway and the Courtney Campbell Causeway are great viewing options.
You can also visit local beaches to admire the sight along the horizon line.