The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced that a total lunar eclipse will be visible across Pakistan tonight, Sunday, September 7. The rare celestial event will also be visible in several parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Timings of the Lunar Eclipse
- Start Time: 8:30 PM (PST)
- Maximum Eclipse: 11:57 PM (PST)
- End Time: 1:55 AM (PST)
- People across most regions of Pakistan will be able to witness the event clearly, weather conditions permitting.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. Unlike a solar eclipse, this event is entirely safe to watch with the naked eye and can also be enjoyed using binoculars or a telescope.
The Stunning “Blood Moon” Effect
During the eclipse, the Moon often appears to turn a deep red or copper color, leading to the term “blood moon.” This happens because as sunlight travels through the Earth’s atmosphere, it filters and scatters the shorter wavelengths of light, allowing mostly red light to pass through and brighten the Moon’s surface.
According to an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, this fascinating reddish hue is caused by atmospheric filtering during the eclipse.
Previous and Upcoming Eclipses
The last total lunar eclipse was observed in March 2025, while the one before that occurred in 2022. The next major celestial event to watch out for is a rare total solar eclipse, which will be visible across parts of Europe on August 12, 2026.
Tips for Observers
- Find a clear, open area away from bright city lights.
- Use binoculars or a telescope for a closer view, though they aren’t necessary.
- Check the local weather forecast to ensure visibility.
- Don’t miss this spectacular astronomical event! The next chance to witness such a rare blood moon might not come for several years.
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