A Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Is Coming To Sydney Tonight

An extraordinary Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse is set to hit Sydney this evening, Tuesday, 8 November, and is worth looking up. 

For those ready to take in the celestial special in NSW, Sydney and the surrounds, the best time to look up will be when the total phase starts around 9.16 pm, and 9.59 pm will be when the moon turns entirely red. The best viewing for Melbourne will also be around this time, and Brisbane will be an hour earlier, from 8.16 pm to 9.16 pm. 

Tonight will make the first fully visible lunar eclipse for 2022 and the last eclipse we'll be able to see in Australia until 2025, truly making it a sky scene not to be missed! 

What is a Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse?

The eclipse results from the earth passing between the sun and the moon. 

Astronomers have been sharing the exciting news that we'll have an exciting crimson and orange-coloured blood moon rising into our skies before 9 pm.

The moon will appear to darken and gradually turn red as it moves into the earth's shadow. According to NASA, the moon will turn a reddish-orange colour courtesy of sunlight filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere.

While the prospect of keeping your brood a bit later tonight may seem daunting (hello, over-tired bubs), kids will delight in seeing something so unique happening skywards. Particularly if they have a keen interest in stars, planets and the solar system, the phenomenon known as the Beaver Blood Moon is the perfect opportunity to indulge that enthusiasm and enjoy some family time.
 

 

How do I see the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse?

You should be able to witness the spectacle from most vantage points across the city, but the further west you are, the clearer your view should be. Because the eclipse will happen as the moon sets, a clear western sky uninhibited by trees, buildings, or intrusive street lighting will give you the best view. If you want to go all out, Observatory Hill promises a picture-perfect perspective.

And not to add pressure to your plans, but just a reminder there isn't going to be another lunar eclipse visible until 2025—so miss it at your peril!
 

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