Early risers across New Zealand are in for a celestial treat on Monday with a total lunar eclipse set to paint the Moon a deep red in the morning sky — the first of two eclipses this month.
On September 8, the Moon will slip into the Earth’s shadow, creating a lunar eclipse visible across Aotearoa.
Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki told 1News the lunar eclipse next week would be followed by an “arguably more exciting” partial solar eclipse later in the month.
Monday’s eclipse begins at around 3.30am when the Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, or dark shadow.
Totality, the moment where the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s shadow, starts at 5.30am, casting it in a dull red hue until it sets at around 6.30am.
“If you just want to get a quick glance of the lunar eclipse, the best time is going to be around six in the morning,” Aoraki said.
“You do not need any special equipment or eye protection. For lunar eclipses, you just need a clear view of the western horizon.”
Weather was the most important factor on whether the eclipse was visible, with clear skies essential for good viewing.
Why does the Moon turn red?
According to NASA, some sunlight still passes through Earth’s atmosphere during an eclipse, giving the Moon its striking red glow.
This happened because shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter more easily, while longer wavelengths like red and orange make it through.
“Because these longer wavelengths make it through Earth’s atmosphere, and the shorter wavelengths have scattered away, the Moon appears orangish or reddish during a lunar eclipse.”
The same scattering effect is why the sky appears blue during the day and red at sunrise and sunset, NASA explained.
The more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the Moon will be.
Partial solar eclipse visible on September 22
Just two weeks later, on the morning of September 22, New Zealand will be one of the only places in the world to witness a partial solar eclipse — a rare event not seen here in over a decade.
“The sun will rise already partially eclipsed,” said Aoraki.
“In Auckland, about 60% of the sun’s disk will be covered. If you’re further south, like in Stewart Island, you’ll see up to 75% coverage.”
Eye protection was essential because solar eclipses involved direct sunlight, he added.
“You must use certified solar glasses. Never look directly at the sun without them.”