Celestial Spectacle: A Total Lunar Eclipse and the Corn Moon
The night sky is set to offer a breathtaking display this weekend, as a total lunar eclipse coincides with the full moon, known as the corn moon. This rare event will captivate stargazers across the globe, providing a unique opportunity to witness the moon transform into a deep red hue, often referred to as a blood moon.
What to Expect During the Lunar Eclipse
The total lunar eclipse will occur on Sunday, starting at 11:28 a.m. ET and ending at 4:55 p.m. ET. However, it will not be visible in the Eastern time zone. The most dramatic phase of the eclipse, known as totality, will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET and last for approximately one hour and 23 minutes. During this time, the moon will be completely within Earth’s shadow, causing it to appear red due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.
This phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align in their orbits. As the moon moves into Earth’s shadow, some light from the sun will pass around the edges of Earth, creating the red glow. The blue light is scattered by air molecules, while the remaining wavelengths reflect off the moon, giving it a reddish appearance.
Viewing Tips for the Lunar Eclipse
For those who are able to view the eclipse, experts recommend finding a location away from bright lights to enhance visibility. The best viewing conditions can be found in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution. While no special equipment is required to observe the eclipse, binoculars or a telescope can provide a more detailed view of the moon’s surface.
Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s Planetary Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Lab, emphasized that the beauty of a lunar eclipse lies in its gradual nature. Unlike solar eclipses, which happen quickly, a lunar eclipse offers a more relaxed experience, allowing observers to appreciate the transformation of the moon over time.
The Corn Moon and Its Significance
In addition to the lunar eclipse, the full moon this weekend is also known as the corn moon. This name is derived from the fact that it coincides with the season for harvesting corn, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The corn moon will peak around the same time as the lunar eclipse, but full moons appear round to the naked eye one day before and after their peak, so sky-gazers can observe the full moon throughout the weekend and into Monday.
Sara Russell, research scientist and head of the Planetary Materials Group at London’s Natural History Museum, noted that a lunar eclipse is a truly incredible sight that can be viewed without any special equipment. However, having binoculars or a telescope available could enhance the viewing experience.
Other Celestial Events in 2025
While the lunar eclipse and corn moon are the main attractions this weekend, there are several other celestial events planned for 2025. The next three full moons will be supermoons, occurring when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than regular full moons.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the upcoming full moons in 2025 will be:
- October 6: Harvest moon
- November 5: Beaver moon
- December 4: Cold moon
Additionally, two weeks after the total lunar eclipse, on September 21, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Antarctica. This occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, blocking part of the sun’s light from view.
Meteor Showers and Other Solar System Activity
In addition to the lunar and solar eclipses, there are opportunities to observe other solar system activity, including several meteor showers that will grace the night sky in the following months. According to the American Meteor Society and EarthSky, the peak dates of meteor showers anticipated in 2025 include:
- Draconids: October 8-9
- Orionids: October 22-23
- Southern Taurids: November 3-4
- Northern Taurids: November 8-9
- Leonids: November 16-17
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
These meteor showers provide another chance to witness the beauty of the night sky and enjoy the wonders of the universe.
The Importance of Observing the Night Sky
Observing the night sky has long been a source of fascination for humans. The moon, which formed in the very earliest times of Earth’s history, has been through a lot with our planet. Looking up at the moon, we can see evidence of its history, such as the craters that have formed over 4.5 billion years.
Russell emphasized the significance of the moon, stating that it is a reminder of the shared history between Earth and its natural satellite. Whether or not there is an eclipse, the moon continues to inspire awe and curiosity among stargazers.
