The rare total lunar eclipse returns tonight to Singapore’s skies at 6:52pm after its first and last appearance here in December 2011.
Although Americans got the best glimpse of the “blood moon” three years ago, only sky-watchers in Japan and easternmost Asia will be able to witness its appearance tonight. It’ll not be visible from Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Tonight’s total eclipse is the second out of the four within a 18-month period from April 2014 to September 2015. The lunar eclipse on April 15 this year wasn’t visible from Singapore.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly behind the Earth and into its shadow. A total lunar eclipse is formed when the sun, Earth and moon are perfectly aligned, thereby giving the moon a reddish overcast due to the light being dispersed out by the atmosphere. “This eerie, harmless effect has earned the tongue-in-cheek nickname ‘blood moon’,” explained NASA.
The Astronomical Society of Singapore (TASOS) is organising an eclipse viewing at Labrador Park tonight from 6:25pm to 9pm for interested parties to gather for an observation.
To catch the unusual phenomenon in the comfort of your own home, visit NASA’s live streaming site Slooh.
If you miss tonight’s rare opportunity , the next total lunar eclipse will happen on April 4, 2015.
Photo: NASA
