Blood Moon – Total Lunar Eclipse, September 2015
September Lunar Eclipse (Illustration) Credit: Meteorwatch
This September, the Earth will be hit by massive asteroids, fried by solar flares, experience tsunamis, and lots of other horrid end of the world things from the Bible. All caused by a total lunar eclipse or “Blood Moon” for those who like drama and prophesies and stuff! #omgweareallgoingtodie
To be serious though, the world isn’t going to end and there is more chance of winning the lottery. So please read on to find out more about this fabulous Lunar Eclipse/ Blood Moon which occurs late September, without all the end of the world nonsense.
What is a Blood Moon/ Total Lunar Eclipse?
Lunar eclipses aren’t to be confused with solar eclipses, both involve the Moon.
A solar eclipse is where the Moon passes between the Earth and the sun blocking it’s light – turning day to night with the Moon’s shadow.
Every once in a while and more commonly, the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun creating a Lunar Eclipse.
What we see from Earth is the Moon slowly darkening and changing colour over a few hours to orange or a deep red. (A Blood Moon as some like to call it).
We are witnessing the Moon passing into Earth’s shadow (Umbra) and reflecting light back passing through Earth’s atmosphere – very similar to a sunset. During a lunar eclipse The Moon is illuminated by sunlight passing through Earth’s shadow making it look orange/red.
Late September heralds the fourth and last in a tetrad. A series of four consecutive total lunar eclipses (Blood Moons) in 2014 – 2015. This has something to do with all the end of the world prophesies the media love to go on about, but we won’t do so here.
Rest assured the world isn’t going to end! Armageddon is postponed until well after Christmas. 😉
Lunar Eclipse Side View. Credit: NASA
How And When To Watch The September 2015 Lunar Eclipse – Blood Moon
You only need your eyes to watch and no other equipment is needed. If you fancy a closer look and to see what other things there are in the night sky, you could use some binoculars or a telescope. Check out the Guide to choosing the right telescope. If you are thinking about getting one consider getting binoculars first as they are cheaper and easier to use. Every stargazer should own a pair. Celestron Skymaster 15 x 70’s with a cheap tripod are highly recommended.
The Lunar Eclipse will be visible to anyone in the Atlantic regions of the planet including: Much of North and South America, Africa, UK and Western Europe.
Please see times below.
| Date – Time UTC/GMT | Event | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 28 September 00:12 | Penumbral Eclipse begins |  |
| 28 September 01:07 | Partial Eclipse begins |  |
| 28 September 02:11 | Full Eclipse begins |  |
| 28 September 02:47 | Maximum Eclipse |  |
| 28 September 03:23 | Full Eclipse ends |  |
| 28 September 04:27 | Partial Eclipse ends |  |
| 28 September 05:22 | Penumbral Eclipse ends |  |
To convert UTC to your time zone visit Timeanddate.com UK observers (BST) +1 hour. East US observers (EDT) -4 hours
Blood Moon is sometimes used to describe 4 total lunar eclipses that occur in a row. The term may have also come from the reddish glow a full Moon can take on when the Earth casts its shadow on it and eclipses it.
This photo is from yesterday or is just a illustration?
Its an illustration
IT was Unique, it’s a pity we can only see it once in a lifetime. Thank you for let me share this wonderfull picture. Janina.
I’m in Georgia will I be able to see it and what time will it start if able ??????
hi i am in iraq my question is can we see supermoon in our country ? and what will be the time?
Dawn may have already happened in Iraq by the time of the eclipse
thanks for keeping it simple!