September 07, Colombo (LNW): A dramatic and visually stunning astronomical event is set to unfold in Sri Lanka’s night sky tonight, as the nation prepares to witness a rare total lunar eclipse – commonly known as a “Blood Moon”.
This striking occurrence, where the moon takes on a deep crimson hue, is expected to begin shortly after nightfall and will be visible in its entirety across the island, provided the weather remains favourable.
The phenomenon results from the Earth moving directly between the sun and the full moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface and refracting sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere – filtering out the blue light and leaving the red tones that give the moon its distinctive colour.
Professor Chandana Jayaratne, a leading expert in astronomy and Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, remarked that this will be the final total lunar eclipse visible in 2025, making it a particularly special event for both casual stargazers and seasoned sky-watchers.
According to him, this eclipse will be visible to approximately 85% of the global population, with Asia, Africa, Australia, and large portions of Europe and the Americas all falling within the viewing range.
Sri Lanka, he noted, is well-positioned to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the full sequence of the eclipse, weather permitting. For those eager to catch the entire celestial drama, the timings are as follows:
– The subtle penumbral phase begins at 8:58 p.m., when the moon starts to dim slightly.
– The partial eclipse commences at 9:57 p.m., as the Earth’s shadow visibly begins to creep across the lunar surface.
– The total eclipse, the main event, starts at 11:01 p.m. and reaches its peak at 11:42 p.m., when the moon will appear at its most vibrant red.
– The period of totality will last for 1 hour and 22 minutes, with the moon emerging from the Earth’s shadow completely by 2:25 a.m.
In total, the eclipse will span over five hours from start to finish, offering a rare opportunity for uninterrupted viewing.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse is entirely safe to observe with the naked eye. Viewers may also use binoculars or telescopes for a closer look at the moon’s changing appearance throughout the night.
