Calgarians, get ready for an astronomical spectacle! If the weather holds clear, residents will be treated to a breathtaking total lunar eclipse late Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun align perfectly, casting the Earth's shadow onto the moon. This shadowing effect allows sunlight to filter through the Earth's atmosphere, bathing the moon in a stunning red or orange glow, a phenomenon popularly dubbed a "blood moon."

Dr. Jeroen Stil, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing its visual appeal: "You’ll see a full moon that is dark red." He explains that the red color during a lunar eclipse parallels the hues of a sunset, stating, “It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon,” according to NASA’s insights.

While the common shades observed during these eclipses tend towards dark red or orange, the specific tint can vary greatly. Factors such as aerosols, particulates, and cloud cover in the Earth’s atmosphere can significantly influence the moon’s appearance, making each eclipse a unique experience. "Eclipses are different every time in their hue and brightness," adds Dr. Stil.

The lunar eclipse will commence around 11:09 p.m. on Thursday, with totality expected from 12:26 a.m. to 1:31 a.m. Friday. The peak of this blood moon will be visible at 12:58 a.m. The captivating red glow will be observable just before, during, and immediately following the totality, so grabbing your friends and family for this cosmic show is a must!

This event marks the first blood moon visible from Calgary since 2022. Total lunar eclipses occur approximately twice a year, but it is a rare occurrence for them to align perfectly for total visibility in all regions. Dr. Stil mentioned, "A total eclipse happens roughly once a year, but is not always visible in all parts of the world."

Unfortunately, local forecasts indicate potential cloud coverage on Thursday night, which might hinder the viewing experience. However, lunar eclipses are one of the simplest astronomical events to observe, requiring no special equipment, making them accessible for everyone. Even a standard cellphone camera can capture this stunning event beautifully!

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear to view safely, a lunar eclipse is harmless to observe with the naked eye. For those with binoculars or telescopes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of this celestial event.

As you settle in to watch the eclipse, keep an eye on the stars around the moon— as the moon passes through the Earth's shadow, you'll notice the stars become more visible, creating a sparkling backdrop to this extraordinary night.

Mark your calendars for this mesmerizing celestial event and prepare to witness the beauty of the universe unfold right above your head! Don't miss out on this stunning blood moon total lunar eclipse!