Total lunar eclipse returns to Singapore’s sky on 8 October

Sky-watchers and astronomy enthusiasts, get ready to stare at the sky on Wednesday evening when the ‘blood moon’ appears.

A rare total lunar eclipse will be visible on the night of 8 October.

The last total lunar eclipse that was visible from Singapore happened three years ago, on 10 December, said The Astronomical Society of Singapore (TASOS).

If you’re not sure what this means, it is the moment when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon.

According to NASA, “A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth casts a shadow that blocks sunlight that normally reflects off of the moon. A total lunar eclipse can only happen when the sun, Earth and moon are perfectly aligned. During the time of total eclipse, the moon will often look reddish due to red and orange light being scattered by the atmosphere. This eerie, harmless effect has earned the tongue-in-cheek nickname ‘blood moon’.”

For those hoping to witness the event, TASOS is organising a gathering at Labrador Park starting at 6.30pm. A spokesperson told Yahoo Singapore that the moon will already be in a total eclipse phase when it rises.

Observers in most of Japan and easternmost Asia will also be able to catch the eclipse, but it will not be visible from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait till 4 April 2015.