Pakistan is set to experience a total lunar eclipse this afternoon (Tuesday), a celestial event that will turn the full Moon a reddish-orange hue as the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls entirely across the Moon’s surface during a full Moon. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths are scattered, allowing red and orange tones to illuminate the Moon — creating the phenomenon commonly known as a “Blood Moon”.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the penumbral phase of the eclipse will begin at 1:44pm Pakistan time, when the Moon enters the Earth’s outer shadow and gradually starts to dim. The partial eclipse is expected to commence at 2:50pm, with totality beginning at 4:05pm. The event will peak at 4:34pm, while totality will end at 5:03pm. The eclipse will conclude at 7:23pm.
The PMD noted that much of the eclipse will occur during daylight hours in Pakistan, limiting visibility in many areas. However, the later stages may be observable in the evening depending on local moonrise times and prevailing weather conditions. The department said portions of the eclipse are likely to be partially visible from several cities.
Globally, the full eclipse will be visible in the evening across eastern Asia and Australia, overnight across the Pacific region, and before sunrise in parts of North and Central America as well as western South America. Central Asia and large parts of South America will experience only a partial eclipse, while the event will not be visible in Africa or Europe.
Astronomy experts say a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye when the Moon is visible. For a clearer and more detailed view, observers are advised to watch from areas with minimal light pollution or use binoculars or a telescope.