If everything goes well, you can see how from 5.29 to 5.47 the moon appears to turn red when it ends up in the shadow of the earth. A total lunar eclipse marks the moment when the earth slides between sun and moon, so that the sunlight that normally falls on our cosmic companion is blocked by our planet.
Incidentally, the first stages of the lunar eclipse begin earlier, when the shadow takes its first bite out of the moon. That bite gets bigger and bigger, until at 5:29 the moon plunges completely into the shadows.
The actual period that the moon then resides in that earth’s shadow is a lot longer than the (large) quarter of an hour that we can see it. The so-called ‘totality’ even lasts until 6.55. Unfortunately, the moon above our country sets earlier, so that only that shorter viewing time remains below the line.
No glasses needed
The fact that the moon is still visible during an eclipse is because light continues to reach its surface. However, that light makes its way to the moon’s surface through Earth’s atmosphere. And light that travels a long route through that atmosphere turns red. You see the same effect with the setting sun. So it is the earth that paints the moon red, not the moon itself that changes color.
Anyone who wants to view the eclipse does not need protective glasses or special equipment. Your own eyes – or binoculars for those who want to see more detail – are sufficient. If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait a few years for the next total lunar eclipse. Another one can be seen on September 7, 2025, although the moon is not entirely on its route through the Earth’s shadow. The next full eclipse, which can be seen from end to end over the Netherlands, will not be until December 20, 2029.
