A super flower blood moon, or as astronomers call it, a total lunar eclipse, will be visible in various parts of the world on Wednesday.
According to NASA, the best locations to experience this celestial phenomenon include Hawaii and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, while California and the Pacific Northwest follow as excellent viewing spots. If you are in Mexico, you have a good chance of witnessing the super flower blood moon. This event can also be observed across most of Central America and other regions including Ecuador, western Peru, and southern Chile, extending to Argentina and parts of western South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. However, Europe, much of Asia, and Africa may not have a view of this eclipse, though scientists suggest the moon will still appear brighter if the skies remain clear.
What is a Super Flower Blood Moon?
When a full moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, it transforms into a supermoon. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. The term “flower moon” is typically used for the full moon in May, which coincides with spring and the blooming of flowers. This year’s full moon aligns with a total lunar eclipse, meaning the moon will be entirely obscured by Earth’s shadow. This phenomenon gives the moon a reddish hue, originating from the light refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, hence the name “blood.”
When is the Best Time to See It?
North American stargazers on the west coast will need to wake up early on Wednesday, May 26, to experience this event. According to NASA, the super flower blood moon will begin at 1:47 am PST (4:47 am EDT), with peak totality at 4:16 am PST (7:16 am EDT). The eclipse will conclude at 6:50 am PST (9:50 am EDT). Viewers in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia will be able to see it in the evening sky. Remarkably, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to view without special glasses.
If you find yourself in daytime conditions, you can still watch the super flower blood moon through live webcasts online. Regardless of your location, if the skies are clear, you will witness the supermoon, although you may miss the blood or total eclipse aspect of the event.
