NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Skywatchers will want to set their alarms early Tuesday morning for a rare celestial event: a total lunar eclipse, often called a āBlood Moon.ā
The eclipse will unfold overnight with totality lasting nearly an hour. The peak viewing time for Middle Tennessee will be between 5:04 a.m. and 6:02 a.m. Thatās when the moon will be fully immersed in Earthās shadow, glowing in shades of copper and red.
Because this occurs in the pre-dawn hours, the moon will be setting as the sun begins to rise, making timing especially important. Plan to be outside and ready to look up before 5 a.m. for the best chance at seeing totality.
Cloud cover is expected in the area, which could limit visibility at times. However, there will be some breaks in the clouds, allowing for occasional opportunities to catch a great photo.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, so no special glasses or filters are needed.
Hereās how you can make the most of the experience:
- Find an unobstructed view to the west ā rooftops, parks or open fields are best.
- Use binoculars or a telescope if you have them. These can enhance your view of surface features and the changing shadow.
- Check the weather forecast. Clear skies will provide the best opportunity to see the lunar eclipse with an unobstructed view.
Total lunar eclipses arenāt visible for us very often. The next opportunity to see a Blood Moon like this wonāt come until 2029.
If youāre able to capture a great picture of the Blood Moon, you can submit it to the WSMV4 weather app and the First Alert Weather Team may show it on TV.
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