Sri Lankans will have a rare chance to witness a “blood moon” later today (7 September), said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Head of the Department of Physics and Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, and Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.
The Moon will undergo a total lunar eclipse, glowing an eerie deep red for 82 minutes — the last such eclipse of the year. This phenomenon will be visible to nearly 85% of the global population, with Sri Lanka offering some of the clearest views.
Prof. Jayaratne explained that a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and a full Moon, casting a shadow that turns the Moon’s silvery glow into a reddish hue. The entire event will be visible across Sri Lanka, weather permitting.
Key Timings for Sri Lanka:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:58 p.m.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:57 p.m.
- Total Eclipse Begins: 11:01 p.m.
- Maximum Eclipse: 11:42 p.m.
- Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 a.m. (8 September)
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:26 a.m. (8 September)
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 2:25 a.m. (8 September)
The period of totality, when the Moon will be at its reddest, will last 1 hour and 22 minutes. The full eclipse, including penumbral phases, will span 5 hours and 27 minutes.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. Stargazers are encouraged to find a location with a clear view of the eastern sky to witness this rare celestial event.
