COLUMBIA, S.C. — We have a rare treat in the sky early Tuesday morning. For the second time this year we will have the opportunity to view a total lunar eclipse in the Midlands.
Known as the Blood Moon, the Moon will be taking on a red glow early in the morning during the eclipse. This happens when the moon passes entirely into the Earth's shadow.
Due to the Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun’s light takes on a red hue which gives the Moon it’s iconic glow. David Dickson from the South Carolina State Museum says you should get out and take a look because this is the last time for a long time.
“We’ve seen two this year and we wont see another one until 2025, so this is your chance to see for the next 3 years.”
Unlike the lunar eclipse back in May, this one will be occurring in the early morning which will keep us from viewing the entire eclipse and will make things just a little bit harder to see.
Looking to the west tomorrow morning, you’ll be able to see the moon just over the horizon. Some key tips this time around though, with clear conditions weather will not get in the way, but, nearby trees or buildings can so get out to a clear area like a field or on a higher story of a building to see the eclipse.
Main viewing for this event will be between 4-6 AM with the best view of the total eclipse happening right around 5.
If you miss this event don’t worry David says there’s plenty to look forward to this month and into December.
“As we head into December a whole lot of planets are going to be visible including Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and even Mars.”
If these late nights or early mornings are just a bit too much you always have other options as well.
“We have an observatory on the 4th floor with solar observing, you can look at the sun very safely, you can also take a trip behind me to our planetarium we got a lot of experiences, make a day of it, it is going to be a lot of fun and its not as early.”