Don’t Miss The Stunning ‘Super Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse On Sunday Night

The night sky will be putting on a spectacular show this weekend – and you won’t want to miss it. A “super flower blood moon” lunar eclipse will be visible in the night sky on Sunday night into early Monday morning.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is between the full moon and the sun. During the eclipse, the moon will receive sunlight bent through the Earth’s atmosphere – and the color will change quickly during the eclipse window. Reddish sunlight will peak through, turning the moon a stunning shade of red.

The full moon will slide into and through the shadow of the Earth on the night of May 15-16.

If the skies are clear, skywatchers across much of North America, South America, Central and Western Europe will have a view of a total eclipse of the moon. That means that you can see it from your own backyard in Boston!

According to timeanddate.com, the moon will begin to turn red at 10:29 pm on Sunday, May 15, in Boston.

Then, the total eclipse will begin with a completely red moon at 11:29 pm.

The maximum eclipse (which is when the moon is closest to the center of the shadow) will occur at 12:11am on Monday, May 16.

The total eclipse will end at 12:53 am on Monday morning. Let’s hope we have clear skies in Boston to see it!

Viewing the lunar eclipse from a location like your backyard poses no dangers to your eyes – unlike a solar eclipse. You will not need eclipse glasses, and you’ll be able to see the lunar eclipse for a much longer period of time that a solar eclipse.

For best viewing, Space.com recommends heading outside at least 20 minutes before the eclipse starts, so your eyes will be adjusted to the darkness. Cameras, telescopes, and binoculars might need additional time to adjust to the different temperature and humidity outside, so bring them out as soon as possible to avoid issues.

Let’s hope for clear skies and great views!

[featured image: Unsplash / Yu Kato]