
Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse to Drench NYC Skies in Red Tuesday Morning
Early risers across NYC will have a chance to witness a striking celestial display Tuesday as a total lunar eclipse paints the moon a deep red hue, known as a “blood moon.”
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon.
During the event, the moon will take on a reddish tint, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a “blood moon.”
According to astronomers, this marks the final total lunar eclipse that will be visible anywhere in the world until 2028.
Viewing times for NYC:
The eclipse will unfold during the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, with totality expected to last approximately 58 minutes:
3:44 a.m. – Eclipse begins
4:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse becomes visible
6:25 a.m. – Total eclipse begins
6:28 a.m. – Moon begins to set
What is a total lunar eclipse?
The National Weather Service explains that a lunar eclipse occurs when the sun projects Earth’s shadow onto the moon.
For the event to qualify as a total lunar eclipse, the moon must pass completely into Earth’s darkest central shadow, known as the umbra.
Unlike a solar eclipse, viewing a lunar eclipse requires no special eye protection. The event can be safely enjoyed with the naked eye, as well as through binoculars or a telescope.