Blood Moon to Grace the Skies Over the Netherlands Tonight
A total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon” due to its reddish hue, will be visible over the Netherlands tonight, offering a stunning celestial display. Meteorologist Philippe Schambergen of Buienradar predicts the moon will appear at its reddest around 8:12 PM, coinciding with its rise in the Dutch sky.
To best view the eclipse, Schambergen recommends finding a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon, or simply stepping outside shortly after sunset. Binoculars or a telescope will enhance the viewing experience.The moon will remain a deep red color until approximately 8:50 PM. Following this, the eclipse will gradually reverse, with the moon transitioning back to its normal full moon brightness and eventually regaining its typical white coloration. The Earth’s shadow will visibly slide across the lunar surface. By 10:00 PM, the moon will appear fully illuminated again, though slightly dimmer. The entire eclipse process will conclude at 10:57 PM, restoring the moon to its usual brilliance.The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has detailed the eclipse’s progression, which can be viewed[here-[here-link from original article would go here].
Fortunately, weather conditions are expected to be favorable for viewing. Buienradar reports widespread clear skies this evening, with potential cloud cover developing later in the southwest. Though, schambergen notes that even some high, thin veil clouds shouldn’t significantly obstruct the view.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The red color is a result of sunlight being filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, allowing only red wavelengths to reach the moon, creating a copper-colored glow.
Total lunar eclipses are infrequent events, occurring only a few times each year globally. Though, they aren’t always visible from the Netherlands.This particular eclipse is noteworthy because the moon will rise already exhibiting its red hue, making it especially striking for photographers and observers alike.