A total lunar eclipse will occur during the early morning hours of Friday over most of North America, including Newfoundland and Labrador. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth completely blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon. This happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are perfectly aligned, with the Earth in between. As a result, the Moon moves into the Earth’s full shadow, called the umbra.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can take on a reddish color. This happens because the Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters the sunlight, allowing only the red part of the light spectrum to reach the Moon. This effect is why a total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a “blood moon.”

A total lunar eclipse lasts longer than other types of lunar eclipses, and it’s completely safe to watch with the naked eye. It’s a rare and stunning event that showcases the incredible cosmic alignment between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Over much of the Province, the eclipse will peak around 4:28 AM NDT. The exact time may vary a bit from place to place, so you can find out the exact time at your location by visiting timeanddate.com/eclipse!

Viewing conditions for the eclipse look pretty good across the bulk of Newfoundland and the southeast Corner of Labrador. The animated GIF below should give you a good idea of what to expect in your particular area of the Province.

via GIPHY