A blood moon is headed for U.S. skies at the end of this August, and it will be visible in North Carolina.
Though the lunar eclipse will not reach 100%, SkyandTelescope.org describes it as a "deep partial lunar eclipse," with the Earth's shadow to cover around 96% of the moon's visible surface during the eclipse's peak. In Western N.C., the eclipse will begin just after 9 p.m. and peak just after midnight. Unlike in the case of a solar eclipse, no eye protection is needed to view a lunar eclipse.
Here's what to know on viewing this month's blood moon in Western N.C., plus information on the upcoming full moon and more celestial events.
"Blood moon" is a nickname given to total lunar eclipses due to the red or orangish appearance of the moon during an eclipse. The process that causes the chance in appearance is the same that makes our sky blue and our sunsets red, according to NASA.
The lunar eclipse will occur Thursday, Aug. 27, into Friday, Aug. 28. About 96% of the moon's visible surface will be darkened by the eclipse, with the eclipse beginning at around 9:23 p.m., peaking at around 12:13 a.m., according to TimeandDate.com.
A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event that happens when the sun, Earth and moon all align so that the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, causing the moon to be darkened.
Unlike solar eclipses, totality can last up to nearly two hours and is safe to view without any eye protection.
August's full "Sturgeon Moon" will reach peak illumination at 12:18 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: A blood moon is rising in Western NC. When you should look up