Next Total Lunar Eclipse
All upcoming total lunar eclipses through 2030 – with countdown, local times, visibility for your city, photography tips and scientific background.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Total lunar eclipse – blood moon in the night sky
What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow onto the Moon. The Moon doesn't disappear completely – instead, it glows in a deep copper-red, creating the famous blood moon.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is visible from the entire night side of the Earth – everywhere the Moon is above the horizon. This makes it one of the most accessible astronomical events.
Total
The Moon passes entirely into Earth's umbral shadow and appears as a copper-red blood moon.
Partial
Only part of the Moon is covered by Earth's umbral shadow.
Penumbral
The Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow only – the darkening is barely visible.
Phases of a Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse passes through five distinct phases over several hours:
Penumbral Entry
The Moon enters Earth's penumbral shadow. The darkening is initially barely noticeable.
Partial Phase Begins
The umbral shadow reaches the Moon. A dark bite becomes visible on the Moon's edge.
Totality – Blood Moon
The Moon is fully immersed in the umbral shadow and glows deep copper-red. The most spectacular moment.
End of Totality
The Moon begins to leave the umbral shadow. The bright side returns.
Penumbral Exit
The Moon leaves the penumbral shadow as well. The eclipse is over.
All Total Lunar Eclipses Through 2030
Here are all upcoming total lunar eclipses with duration, magnitude and visibility.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon glows a deep copper-red. This phenomenon is called a blood moon and has a fascinating physical explanation.
Sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere – similar to a sunset. Short-wavelength blue light is scattered, while long-wavelength red light is directed toward the Moon.
Rayleigh Scattering
The same physical effect that makes the sky blue and sunsets red is responsible for the blood moon's color. The more dust and aerosols in the atmosphere, the darker the Moon appears.
Photographing a Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse offers spectacular photo opportunities – and without any special eye protection equipment.
Camera Settings
Use a telephoto lens (200mm+), ISO 800–3200, aperture f/5.6–8 and exposure times of 1–4 seconds during totality.
Tripod Is Essential
Use a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake. Enable mirror lock-up.
Exposure Bracketing
Brightness changes dramatically during the eclipse. Bracket your exposures to capture all phases optimally.
Composition
Include landscape elements like trees, buildings or the horizon for more dramatic shots.
Observation Tips
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be observed completely without protective equipment. You just need a clear view of the Moon.
Safe for Your Eyes
A lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope – no eye protection needed!
Find an observation spot with a clear view of the horizon and as little light pollution as possible. Binoculars will significantly enhance the experience.
On average, there are about 2–3 total lunar eclipses every 3 years. They are more common than total solar eclipses.
Can I see a lunar eclipse with the naked eye?
Yes! A lunar eclipse is completely safe for your eyes and can be observed without any protective equipment.
Sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere. Blue light is scattered while red light reaches the Moon – similar to a sunset.
Totality lasts between 30 minutes and nearly 2 hours. The entire eclipse (including partial phases) can last over 5 hours.
A lunar eclipse is visible from everywhere the Moon is above the horizon at the time of the eclipse – that is, from the entire night side of the Earth.
Visibility Map
This map shows where the next total lunar eclipse will be visible. Green = full visibility, Yellow = partially visible, Dark = not visible.
The moon's altitude at each phase, in degrees. Only phases with the moon above the horizon can be seen.
Can I see a lunar eclipse with the naked eye? Yes! A lunar eclipse is completely safe for your eyes and can be observed without any protective equipment.
Why is the blood moon red? Sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere. Blue light is scattered while red light reaches the Moon – similar to a sunset.
How long does a total lunar eclipse last? Totality lasts between 30 minutes and nearly 2 hours. The entire eclipse (including partial phases) can last over 5 hours.
Is a lunar eclipse visible everywhere? A lunar eclipse is visible from everywhere the Moon is above the horizon at the time of the eclipse – that is, from the entire night side of the Earth.