Public Domain PicturesMaltese stargazers will witness a spectacular “Blood Moon” tonight as a total lunar eclipse unfolds across the Mediterranean, though viewers will need to position themselves carefully to catch the celestial drama.
Tonight’s “Blood Moon” will be visible from Malta despite some scattered clouds. Weather forecasts predict mainly fine conditions with minimal rain, offering a good chance for people to witness the total lunar eclipse as it makes the moon appear red and copper-coloured.
The Moon will rise at approximately 7:17pm already entering the eclipse phase, with totality beginning at 7:30pm and reaching maximum eclipse at 8:11pm. The total phase will conclude at 8:52pm, presenting a window of just over an hour to observe the Moon’s dramatic transformation into a deep red orb.
The key challenge for Maltese observers is the Moon’s low position on the horizon during the eclipse. To secure the best vantage point, head to locations with unobstructed views of the eastern to south-eastern horizon.
The eastern coastlines of Malta and Gozo offer ideal viewing spots, whilst elevated positions such as the eastern side of Valletta, the cliffs around Marsaskala, or Gozo’s eastern promontories will provide excellent sightlines above buildings and terrain.
No special equipment is required, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to observe with the naked eye. Binoculars can enhance the experience by revealing surface details, but aren’t essential for enjoying the spectacle.
The phenomenon occurs when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and Moon, casting our planet’s shadow across the lunar surface. Rather than disappearing entirely, the Moon transforms into a striking copper or deep red colour, hence the “Blood Moon” moniker.
This dramatic colour change results from Earth’s atmosphere acting as a cosmic filter. When sunlight encounters our atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, the same process that makes our sky appear blue.
However, longer red and orange wavelengths bend around Earth’s edges and illuminate the Moon’s surface, creating the characteristic crimson glow.
The intensity of the red hue varies with each eclipse, influenced by atmospheric conditions such as dust, volcanic ash, or cloud cover.
Tonight’s eclipse promises to be particularly striking, with forecasts suggesting a rich, dark red appearance as the Moon sits deep within Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of our planet’s shadow.
This total lunar eclipse represents a relatively rare astronomical event, occurring roughly once every one to three years for any given location. The last visible “Blood Moon” from Malta occurred several years ago, making tonight’s display particularly special for local astronomy enthusiasts.
Weather permitting, the eclipse offers an excellent opportunity for photography, family viewing, or simply pausing to appreciate one of nature’s most dramatic celestial performances. With clear skies forecast across much of the Mediterranean, conditions appear favourable for witnessing this remarkable cosmic alignment.
