Time lapse of the 2018 blood moon lunar eclipse: Deposit Photos
The weekend of Friday the 13th will be extra eerie, featuring a Blood Moon (it’s also a super moon!) and a total lunar eclipse. It’s going to happen over several hours on Sunday, May 15th, 2022 — so keep your fingers crossed for clear conditions that will let us enjoy stargazing here in metro Atlanta.
We’ve got tips for viewing the lunar eclipse on your own, as well as info on the local observatories that are hosting special events during the eclipse. But first, some background info:
♣ A super moon happens when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth at the same time the moon is full — making it appear about 17% larger than normal, according to NASA.
♣ A Blood Moon refers to a phenomenon by which the moon appears reddish or coppery in color. The red color is caused by the way the light waves scatter, and how the human eye perceives it. It’s the same effect that gives sunrise and sunset a reddish glow. The shade of red varies by the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere at the time.
♣ A total lunar eclipse happens at full moon when the earth, moon, and sun line up exactly, so the earth blocks light from the sun. The moon appears darkened as it passes through the shadow of the earth.
According to NASA, the next total lunar eclipse will be on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 — check back here in the fall for viewing details!
And by the way, the May full moon is also known as the “Flower Moon.” So technically this is a Super Flower Blood Moon that’s involved in the lunar eclipse.
When is the lunar eclipse?
It takes place on Sunday, May 15th, 2022. The lunar eclipse happens in phases and takes awhile to reach totality, so this celestial event happens over several hours. The total eclipse itself lasts 84 minutes.
This is what you can expect, and when, as noted by TimeAndDate.com:
• May 15th, 10:28 p.m. — partial eclipse begins
• May 15th, 11:29 p.m. — total eclipse begins (watch the moon turn red)
• May 16th, 12:11 a.m. — MAXIMUM ECLIPSE — full blood-red color
• May 16th, 12:54 a.m. — total eclipse ends
• May 16th, 1:54 a.m. — partial eclipse ends
How can I see the lunar eclipse?
It is super simple — just go outside, look up, and take it all in. Unlike with a solar eclipse, you don’t need special equipment or eye protection. There’s no danger in looking right at the eclipse.
The best viewing conditions are clear skies, but the eclipse is long enough that you’ll be able to see some of it even if it’s partially cloudy.
Our Atlanta weathermen have said they don’t expect complete cloud cover on Sunday night. But IF they’re wrong and it ends up completely overcast, you can watch the NASA live stream of the eclipse.
It also helps, if possible, to move away from bright city lights. The darker it is where you are, the more dramatic your view.
If you happen to have good binoculars, or even a small telescope, definitely use them. It would be fun to get a closer look at the moon and the lunar eclipse.
RECOMMENDATION: Scout your spot ahead of time.
Fortunately, you don’t need a clear view of the horizon for this lunar eclipse — the moon will be high enough in the sky that you’ll just need to find a spot away from the tallest trees. We’ve heard that the roof a parking garage can be a good viewing spot, if you have access to one.
On Sunday, the nearly-full moon will rise in the southeastern sky around 8:17 p.m.. By the time the eclipse begins later in the night, however, the moon will be in the southern sky. So, you’ll want to scout for a watch spot with a good view to the south. The compass app on your mobile phone is a great tool to help you scout for a good viewing place.
Space Cat. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.
Lunar eclipse viewing events
Don’t want to go it alone? Check out one of these lunar eclipse events, happening at science centers and observatories.
NOTE that the observatory at Hard Labor Creek State Park is still closed to the public at this point.
The Tellus Science Museum
The Tellus Museum, in Cartersville, plans to open at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 15th, for those who want to experience the lunar eclipse there. Regular admission fees apply.
You’ll be able to look through the large telescope at the Tellus Observatory, and there will be smaller telescopes set up outdoors on the lawn for viewing.
You can also opt to watch a live stream of the eclipse in comfort from the museum’s theater, with comments from an astronomer.
And, the museum’s planetarium will run special lunar eclipse shows, beginning at 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Fernbank Science Center
In a Facebook post, the science center announced that, if weather permits, they plan to open the observatory to the public between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. This is a FREE program.
They will also stream the eclipse on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fernbankcenter.
NOTE that this is the Fernbank Science Center and NOT the Fernbank Museum.
More upcoming events:
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Friday, May 20, 2022
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
156 Heaton Park Dr
Atlanta, GA 30307
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