FIRST ALERT: A total lunar eclipse happens over the Midlands this week!

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A total lunar eclipse visible from the Midlands will happen in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday morning.

The Earth will pass directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow onto the moon. As the sun’s rays pass through the Earth’s atmosphere, the shorter wavelength colors in the light spectrum, like blue and violet, are filtered out. Longer wavelength colors like red and orange make it through to the moon’s surface.

This is why a fully eclipsed moon is also called a ‘blood moon.’

At 4:50 AM, the partial eclipse will begin. It will look as though a bite is being taken out of the moon.

At 6:04 AM, the total eclipse will begin. All of the moon will be in the darker part of the Earth’s shadow. This is when the moon will appear reddish-orange. For the Midlands, the moon will drop below the horizon and out of view around 6:52 AM.

This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from the Midlands until New Year’s Eve of 2028! And unlike a solar eclipse, no special equipment or glasses are needed.

For viewing conditions, stay up to date with the latest WIS First Alert forecast.

Click here to send pictures/videos if you catch the moon!

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