Marrakech – A rare total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a “blood moon,” will be visible across Morocco on the night of September 7-8. This celestial event occurs when Earth passes directly between the sun and moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface and transforming it into a deep red color.
According to Space.com, the eclipse will begin globally at 11:28 a.m. ET (3:28 p.m. GMT) on September 7. In Morocco, this translates to a local start time of approximately 4:28 p.m.
The full “blood moon” phase will commence at 6:30 p.m. local time and last for 82 minutes, until 7:52 p.m., before Earth’s shadow begins to fade from the lunar surface.
The visibility of this phenomenon depends on the moon’s position relative to the horizon. An estimated 5.8 billion people – about 76% of the world’s population – across Africa, Asia, Australia, and Eastern Europe will be able to witness the eclipse in its entirety.
Read also: Morocco Enjoys Full View of ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse
Observers in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Brazil will only see partial phases, while those in the Americas will miss the event completely.
The red coloration of the moon during totality is caused by Rayleigh scattering, a process where blue wavelengths of sunlight are deflected by particles in Earth’s atmosphere while longer red wavelengths pass through.
These red wavelengths then illuminate the moon during the eclipse, creating the distinctive blood-red appearance.
Unlike solar eclipses which require special protective eyewear, lunar eclipses pose no risk to eyesight. Astronomers stress that the “blood moon” can be safely observed directly with the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience.
This makes the September 7 event an accessible astronomical phenomenon for all Moroccans with a clear view of the night sky.
Space experts note that the week before the eclipse is ideal for scouting viewing locations. This preparation gives photographers the opportunity to plan compositions featuring the eclipsed moon alongside landmarks, while ensuring that buildings or other obstacles won’t block the view.
For those unable to see the eclipse due to cloud cover or if the moon is below their horizon, Space.com will host a livestream of the event online.
