Eclipse of the ‘Blood Moon’ April 15

The Old Farmers Almanac says the early morning hours of April 15 will offer one of the most spectacular sky gazing sights of this year — a total eclipse of the Moon — visible throughout the U.S. and Canada. The partial phase begins at 12:58 a.m. central time on Tuesday, with totality at 2:05 a.m. The Moon will turn from its silvery color to a reddish-orange.

“Blood moon” is not an official term for this rare event. It is properly known by astronomers as a lunar “tetrad”- as it will be the first of four consecutive lunar eclipses during the next two years, with the remaining three each happening six months after the previous one.

According to EarthSky.org, there have been a total of 62 tetrads since the first century. The last one occurred in 2003-2004, and the next one after the current one will take place in 2032-2033.

Meteorologist Chris Higgins of Fox 2 reported that conditions in and around St. Louis would be mostly cloudy tonight, making it difficult to see the eclipse. Though there’s a slight chance for clearing toward the end of the event.

Learn more details about the lunar tetrad here.

Viewing tips and more information here.

 

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