This Sunday, September 7, the Moon will turn a coppery hue in a total lunar eclipse which can be widely observed from Spain and much of the world. For those looking at the sky at sunset, it will be a fantastic opportunity to observe the phenomenon with the naked eye, with the Moon very low over the eastern horizon.
Unlike a solar eclipse, this event is eye insurance; you can see it without filters, and if you have binoculars or a telescope, it will enhance the experience. It coincides with the September full moon, the traditional Harvest Moon, whose full moon is scheduled for 20:08 (peninsular time).
What will happen and why the Moon will appear red
A lunar eclipse occurs when The Earth is located between the Sun and the full Moona whirlpool bath, syzygy, and its shadow reaches the satellite. The shadow has two zones: the penumbra, of subtle darkening, and the shadow, where the totality occurs.
During the total phase, the Moon does not disappear; it acquires a russet because the Earth's atmosphere filters and bends sunlight, preferentially allowing red wavelengths to pass through (Rayleigh scattering), the same effect that colors sunrises and sunsets red.
This eclipse comes very close to the lunar perigee (about 2,7 days before), so the disk may appear slightly larger than usual and, depending on atmospheric conditions, with a darker tone in the Danjon scale.
Key dates and times (peninsular time)
These are the temporal references to follow the eclipse step by step in peninsular time (add one hour less in the Canary Islands):
- Beginning of the penumbral eclipse: 17:28
- Start of the partial eclipse: 18:27
- Start of the total eclipse: 19:30
- Maximum eclipse: 20:11
- End of the total eclipse: 20:52
- End of partial eclipse: 21:56
- End of the penumbral eclipse: 22:55
La total duration is 83 minutesIn many areas, the Moon will rise already eclipsed, so you'll see it low and with an intense reddish color if the eastern horizon is clear.
Where will it be visible?
On a global scale, the phenomenon can be followed in some of its phases from Europe, Africa, Asia and OceaniaAmerica is practically left out, except for very eastern areas of South America that will touch the final stretches.
In Spain, total eclipse will be seen with better conditions in the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands, where the satellite will rise already within totality. In the western half, the Moon will appear with the total phase very advanced or already finished, especially in Western Galicia and the Canary Islands, where the end of the partial will be seen.
For reference, the Moon will rise in Madrid around 20:34 p.m., leaving a few minutes of the total phase in view (around 18). Towards the Mediterranean, the margin of observation of totality expands.
Tips for observing and photographing it
Choose a place with clear eastern horizon (viewpoints, beaches, open spaces) and with as little light pollution as possible. Arriving early helps with fine-tuning your shots and equipment.
No special glasses are needed; this eclipse is harmless to the eyesBinoculars highlight the reddish hues, and a small telescope allows details of the lunar relief to be seen in the faint eclipsed light.
To photograph, use tripod and remote release or a timer. Try moderate sensitivities, wide apertures, and somewhat long times, adjusting according to the brightness at the time.
If you are going to be there for a while, bring warm clothing and red lantern (preserves night vision). Check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case low clouds appear on the horizon.
Meteorology and visibility in Spain
In Galicia, the forecast points to cloudiness on the coast and in eastern mountain areas at dusk, which could complicate the view of the Moon at the critical moment of its rise.
In the Galician interior, after morning showers, rain is expected. clear in the afternoon, increasing the chances of enjoying the eclipse there. In other regions, the key will be a clear eastern horizon, free of low clouds.
If the weather is not good, many astronomical institutions and associations usually organize live broadcasts to follow the evolution of the phenomenon.
Remember that even with some high clouds, the reddish hue may be visible; a small window on the horizon can save the observation.
Additional event details
The eclipse is part of the Saros 128 series, families of eclipses that repeat approximately every 18 years with similar geometries.
During observation, it will be possible to locate Saturn near the Moon, at about 3 and a half degrees, an additional incentive for those who have small telescopes and want to distinguish its rings.
The intensity of the red will vary depending on the dust, humidity and other particles in the earth's atmosphere; after large volcanic eruptions, eclipses can be seen darker and more intense.
Due to the low altitude of the satellite at the time of totality, the effect of the atmosphere near the horizon can add orange tones and interesting optical distortions for photography.
Upcoming dates to keep in mind
After this event, the next total lunar eclipse visible from Spain It will arrive on the night of December 31, 2028, to January 1, 2029. Before that, in August 2026, there will be a lunar eclipse partially visible from our country.
If you're still hungry for more sky, take note that in the coming years there will also be notable dates with solar eclipses on the peninsula; in any case, for the Total red moon we will have to wait until the end of 2028.
With defined schedules, wide visibility areas and no need for special equipment, this total lunar eclipse It presents itself as a perfect opportunity to go out and observe, learn, and, if the weather permits, take home an unforgettable image of the sky.