October Declared Blood Moon Month: Seeable In Australia During Total Lunar Eclipse

Always an event people flock outside to see at night, this Wednesday, October 8, there will be a total eclipse of the Moon seen from several western states. This will be the last eclipse of the year 2014. Visible by the naked eye, the show will start at 1:15 a.m. Until 6:33 a.m. Pacific time.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon and Earth’s shadow covers the Moon. It’s a slow, gradual procession especially during a full Moon. In a Blood Moon scenario like this, the colors of the Moon will look rusty red due to the way dust and light are filtered through Earth’s atmosphere.

The sky show for October doesn’t end but ramps up again on October 23 for North America when there will be a partial eclipse of the Sun. This eclipse will begin around 1:40 p.m., as the New Moon starts taking a bite out of the circle of the Sun. Around 3 p.m., the sunlight will be dimmed as 60% of the Sun is occluded by the passing Moon. The show will end around 4:25 p.m.

Aussies will see their lunar eclipse from 9:25 p.m. To 10:25 p.m. AEDT.

Watching the Moon or the Sun needs caution. The Moon via a telescope needs a filter as it is reflecting light from the Sun. As for the Sun, one should never, ever, look directly at it as it could cause irreversible damage to the eyes. There are special glasses, telescopes, binoculars and other ways to watch the solar eclipse coming up that are safe and won’t harm you.

Astronomy is fun and should remain that way. These celestial events should be enjoyed by friends, family, professionals alike. Maybe have a party or get together and just enjoy the fun the sky delivers.