Millions to catch a glimpse of rare astronomical event this Friday

Millions of Australians will be treated to a rare astronomical sight this week, with scientists describing the phenomenon as “the moon with a sunset”.

Millions of Australians will be treated to a rare astronomical sight this week, as a total lunar eclipse is set to arrive on Friday.

The exciting lunar event, where the moon will be flooded with a rich, orange-red light, last happened more than three years ago.

Residents in Australia will be treated to a total lunar eclipse this Friday Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

What is a blood moon?

Colloquially referred to as a “blood moon”, the phenomenon is a rare total lunar eclipse.

This is when the sun, Earth and moon align at the same time – called a syzygy – meaning the moon passes underneath Earth’s shadow.

“The moon will gradually fade from one side (like a shadow is taking a bite out of it) until it goes completely dark, then turns a deep blood-red colour,” The University of Melbourne associate professor of cultural astronomy Duane Hamacher told NewsWire.

“This is the total eclipse, when the moon passes directly within the shadow of the Earth.”

The phenomenon is known as a “blood” moon because it adopts an orange-red colour once it passes through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, the umbra.

“From any given location, total lunar eclipses can be seen every 2.5 years, while total solar eclipses can only be seen every few hundred years,” Professor Hamacher said.

The best view will be in the western hemisphere, but Australians can still catch a glimpse Picture: Nicholas Eagar

Why does the moon turn red?

There’s a reason many people refer to the lunar eclipse as a “blood” moon, and that’s thanks to the orange-red colour displayed on the moon as it passes under Earth’s shadow.

“Particles in the Earth’s atmosphere (mostly nitrogen and oxygen) scatter blue wavelengths of sunlight, a process called rayleigh scattering,” Professor Hamacher said.

“This is why the sky is blue.”

Because red has a longer wavelength and is less affected by Earth’s atmosphere, it passes through without much scattering.

“During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a magnifying glass, projecting the red light onto the moon,” he added.

The University of Sydney professor Tim Bedding told NewsWire the sight was akin to “illuminating the moon with a sunset”.

“The surface of the moon looks somewhat reddish, and that’s why it gets the name ‘blood moon’,” he said.

The phenomenon is caused by the perfect alignment of three astronomical bodies: the Earth, the moon and the sun. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

When can we see the blood moon?

While the blood moon is a rare and incredible sight to see, only pockets of Australia will be able to experience it in its glory.

“This particular lunar eclipse will be visible mostly from North and South America, but those as far west or east as Africa and eastern Australia can see part of the eclipse,” Professor Hamacher said.

However, that doesn’t mean we miss out on the phenomenon entirely, with some residents in the northern regions of Australia more likely to catch a glimpse on Friday.

Residents will be able to see the moon in the following cities:

Sydney: 7:13pm

Canberra: 7:22pm

Melbourne: 7:40pm

Brisbane: 6:04pm

Adelaide: 7:35pm

Darwin: 7:02pm

Hobart: 7:32pm

Unfortunately, Perth residents will not be able to witness the incredible moon, as moonrise takes place at 6:37pm.

Where can I see the blood moon?

While the best views of the lunar eclipse will be in North America, residents in Australia can catch a glimpse if they find themselves in the right spot at the right time.

The best place to spot the moon is somewhere dark without artificial city lights affecting the sky.

Choose a high vantage point with a clear view, facing the eastern horizon, such as the ocean.

“The further north you (go,) you’ll be able to see the moon,” Professor Bedding said.

”From Sydney and … north of there, you should be able to try and get a view of the eastern horizon, so the sea would be good.”

Is it safe to look at the blood moon?

Yes, it is safe to look at the moon during its eclipse.

“The moon would never harm your eyes,” Professor Bedding said.