Section 1.1: What to Expect

The extent and timing of the eclipse will vary based on your location. This phenomenon is termed a blood moon due to the deep red color the Moon will exhibit. Since it occurs in spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it is also referred to as a flower moon. Additionally, this eclipse will be categorized as a supermoon, which happens when the full Moon is at its closest point to Earth. The distance between the Moon and Earth can range from approximately 363,300 to 405,500 kilometers (226,000 to 253,000 miles). Annually, this closest approach aligns with a full Moon, resulting in a supermoon that can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.

Subsection 1.1.1: Viewing the Eclipse

No special gear or training is necessary to enjoy this celestial event, but it's crucial to know when to head out for optimal viewing. Those in the western regions of the United States (and western Canada) will have the best vantage points for the lunar eclipse on May 26. Residents east of the Mississippi River will experience only a partial eclipse.

In Tucson, the eclipse will commence around 1:45 AM, peaking at 4:18 AM and concluding as the Moon sets at 5:27 AM. Viewers on the Pacific coast will experience similar timings. Meanwhile, those further east will see a brief partial eclipse; for instance, Indianapolis will witness about 90 minutes of the phenomenon, while New York City will see only 45 minutes. Eclipse enthusiasts can verify local timings on Time and Date.

The Earth's atmosphere functions like a lens, refracting primarily red light to illuminate the Moon, even during an eclipse. The shadow cast by Earth consists of an inner, darker shadow known as the umbra and a lighter outer shadow called the penumbra. Even during a total lunar eclipse, some red light is still visible on the Moon's surface due to the bending of light through our atmosphere, which scatters blue light.

Section 1.2: Historical Significance of Eclipses

Throughout history, eclipses have held significant meaning for different cultures. Ancient astronomers in Mesopotamia could predict these events with remarkable accuracy, though they viewed them as ominous signs for the king. During an eclipse, the monarch would go into hiding, leaving a double to take their place. Once the eclipse concluded, the true king would return, and the double would resume a normal life.

Hindu mythology tells of the demon Rahu, who, after consuming a potion of immortality, was beheaded by the Sun and Moon. Rahu's head is said to eternally chase the Sun and Moon, leading to eclipses as it attempts to capture them.

In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the Inca civilization believed lunar eclipses were caused by a jaguar devouring the Moon. In fear of this celestial predator, they would shout and shake their spears to ward it off.

Some modern Christian groups associate eclipses with apocalyptic events, while various Native American tribes viewed them as times of healing for the Sun or Moon. The Luiseño tribe, for example, sang songs during eclipses to restore the reddened Moon's health.

In a typical year, observers can expect to see two lunar eclipses, along with two to five solar eclipses. However, the tilt of the lunar orbit prevents us from witnessing a lunar eclipse every month.

Skywatchers in the Western United States should make an effort to wake up for the extraordinary blood moon, flower moon, and supermoon lunar eclipse on May 26. Whether or not you shake spears is entirely up to you!