ISLAMABAD: Stargazers in Pakistan will witness a rare celestial spectacle this weekend as the longest total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) since 2022 unfolds in the night sky on September 7–8.
According to astronomers, the eclipse will begin at 8:28 pm (PST) on Sunday, with the Moon entering totality at 10:30 pm. The blood-red phase will last for one hour and 22 minutes, ending at 11:52 pm. The entire event will conclude at 1:55 am on Monday.
Visible to billions worldwide
The lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) will be visible across much of Asia, including Pakistan, as well as Africa, Europe, and Australia. NASA estimates that over six billion people will be able to observe the totality.
The Americas, however, will largely miss out since it will be daytime, though Hawaii, parts of Alaska, and parts of Brazil will catch at least a partial eclipse.
Why the Moon turns red
This phenomenon occurs when Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.
As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths are filtered out, leaving only red light. The same scattering effect that paints the sky crimson at sunset gives the eclipsed Moon its blood-red hue.
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Linked to solar eclipse later this month
Astronomers note that lunar and solar eclipses often occur in pairs. The September 7–8 lunar eclipse will be followed by a partial solar eclipse on September 21, though it will not be visible from Pakistan.
Scientists add that Earth is uniquely positioned in the solar system to witness total lunar eclipses because its shadow is large enough to cover the Moon. However, the phenomenon will not last forever — the Moon is drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 1.6 inches (4 cm) annually.
NASA says two to four lunar eclipses typically occur every year, each visible from roughly half the planet.
