A spectacular celestial event is set to light up the night sky over North America, including Chicago. On Thursday night, a total lunar eclipse will occur, transforming the moon into a reddish hue. This phenomenon, known as a "blood moon, " will be visible from 1:26 a. m. to 2:31 a. m. on Friday. This is the first time this will happen since 2022.

The moon's journey through Earth's shadow begins at 10:57 p. m. on Thursday, entering the penumbra. During this phase, the moon may appear slightly tan. At 12:09 a. m. on Friday, the partial eclipse starts, making it seem like a chunk of the moon is missing. This is a safe event to watch with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses.

The total eclipse, or totality, occurs when the moon is fully within the Earth's umbra, the darker part of its shadow. During this time, the moon will take on a reddish color due to the Earth's atmosphere filtering out blue light. This effect is similar to what we see during sunsets. The total eclipse will last from 1:26 a. m. to 2:31 a. m. on Friday.

The partial eclipse will end at 3:47 a. m. , and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at 5:00 a. m. on Friday. This entire event is a great opportunity for stargazers to witness the beauty of a lunar eclipse. The Adler Planetarium will host a special "Sky Observer's Hangout" on YouTube from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

This event is a reminder of the dynamic relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun. It's a chance to appreciate the wonders of the universe and the science behind celestial events. So, mark your calendars and set your alarms for a late-night sky show!

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