Stay up late this week to witness a ‘Blood Moon’

IDAHO FALLS — Nearly the entire country will be able to witness a solar lunar eclipse this week that will turn the moon deep red.

According to NASA, the moon will pass into Earth’s shadow and “appear to turn red” on Thursday night or early in the morning on Friday, depending your time zone.

The last blood moon visible in eastern Idaho was the night of May 15, 2022.

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Here is everything you need to know to experience the “blood moon.”

What time will it appear in Idaho?

If you’re looking to see the lunar eclipse in eastern Idaho, look toward the moon between 12:26 a.m. and 1:31 a.m. You won’t need any special equipment or glasses, but binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view. NASA recommends viewing it in a dark environment away from bright lights to ensure the best viewing conditions.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, earth, and moon align so that the moon passes into earth’s shadow, according to NASA.

“In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of earth’s shadow, called the umbra,” says NASA officials. “When the moon is within the umbra, it appears red-orange. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon.”

If you manage to capture a cool photo of the “Blood Moon”, send it into [email protected].

A total lunar eclipse | NASA