The last total lunar eclipse for more than two years will occur in the early morning hours of November 8. This will be the second total lunar eclipse of 2022; the last total lunar eclipse was visible May 15-16.
A lunar eclipse occurs whenever the earth, sun, and moon align so that the moon drifts through the earth’s shadow, according to NASA. A total eclipse, or “blood moon,” occurs when the moon passes through the darkest section of the earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, shading the moon in a reddish hue.
The total eclipse will be visible after sunset across North America, Asia, and the rest of the Pacific in the early morning hours before the moonset. NASA scientists said that at the peak of the eclipse, the moon will be 242,740 miles away from the earth, according to NBC DFW.
The initial phase of the eclipse will begin at 2:02 a.m. CST. Viewers will be able to observe a partial eclipse at 4:09 EST. The eclipse will reach totality from 4:16 a.m. to 5:41 a.m. CST.
NASA officials recommend using binoculars or telescopes for a better view of the eclipse, given clear skies. Areas devoid of bright lights are said to provide the best viewing conditions.
The next total lunar eclipse is expected to occur on March 14, 2025. Partial and penumbral eclipses will still happen in the intervening months.
TimeAndDate will provide a live stream of the celestial event for those unable to view the event outdoors. This live stream will feature views of the eclipse, commentary from contributors, as well as an interview with NASA lunar scientist Noah Petro. This live stream will begin November 8 at 3:00 a.m. CST and can be viewed on YouTube.
NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio is also offering its Dial-A-Moon visualization to showcase a telescopic view of the eclipse.