Stargazers are in for a celestial treat this week as the first blood moon of the year will be visible during a total lunar eclipse on the night between September 7 and 8.
The rare astronomical event will be seen across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific, including Pakistan.
Timings and Duration of Eclipse
According to the Met Department, the lunar eclipse will begin at 8:23pm on September 7 and reach its peak at 11:12pm. The total eclipse will continue until 1:55am on September 8, making its total duration five hours and 27 minutes.
In Pakistan, however, SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) has given slightly different timings. The eclipse here will begin at 8:30pm on September 7, peak at 11:57pm, and end at 1:55am on September 8.
What makes it blood noon
During the eclipse, the Earth’s shadow will completely cover the Moon, causing it to turn a striking shade of red. This phenomenon is commonly called a blood moon, as the lunar surface glows in coppery-red hues due to Earth’s atmosphere scattering sunlight.
SUPARCO confirmed that the moon will remain fully hidden in Earth’s shadow until the final hours of the night, making the spectacle visible for several hours.
Experts have reassured that it is completely safe to view the lunar eclipse with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses which require protective glasses. SUPARCO also announced that it will be sharing real-time pictures and updates on its social media platforms to help people follow the eclipse as it unfolds.
