Skywatchers are in for a treat soon, as a blood moon rises in the night sky on September 7. This will be the last eclipse of the year, and it will be visible across South Africa.

According to Polokwane Review, this is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 and one of the more dramatic ones this decade.

What is a blood moon?

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a blood moon is another name for a total lunar eclipse. It happens only during a full moon, when the sun, Earth and moon line up perfectly. As Earth blocks the sun’s direct light, the moon falls completely into Earth’s shadow. Instead of disappearing, the moon glows a deep red or reddish-brown colour.

The science of it all

This striking effect happens because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight around the planet. The air scatters blue light and allows red and orange tones to filter through, casting the moon in a fiery glow.

Stages of a blood moon

The event will unfold in three stages:

• It begins with a faint penumbral eclipse, when the moon passes through the outer edge of earth’s shadow
• Next comes the partial eclipse, which makes it look as if a dark ‘bite’ has been taken out of the moon
• Finally, during totality, Earth’s shadow covers the entire lunar surface, creating the unmistakable red ‘blood moon’.

While not every full moon results in an eclipse, when the alignment is just right, it produces one of the most breathtaking sights in the night sky.

Pretoria Rekord reports the eclipse stages are safe to observe with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescopes can enhance details, but are not necessary.

What to expect in South Africa:

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