The total lunar eclipse will be visible across North America in the morning hours – the further west the better – and across Asia, Australia and the rest of the Pacific after sunset. As an added treat, Uranus will be visible just a fingertip above the moon, reminiscent of a bright star. The set will last nearly 1 1/2 hours – from 5:16 A.M. to 6:41 am EST – as the Earth passes directly between the moon and the sun. Known as a blood moon, it will appear a reddish-orange from the light of Earth’s sunsets and sunrises. At the peak of the eclipse, the moon will be 242,740 miles (390,653 kilometers) away, according to NASA scientists. Binoculars and telescopes will improve viewing, provided the sky is clear. South America will get a taste of Tuesday’s lunar eclipse, weather permitting. Overall, Africa, the Middle East and most of Europe will have to wait until 2025. Among those providing a live stream of Tuesday’s lunar extravaganza: the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and the Italy-based Virtual Telescope. It is the second total lunar eclipse this year. the first was in May. The next one won’t be until 2025. Many partial lunar eclipses will be available in the meantime.
