Singaporeans may see rare blood moon during Nov 8 total lunar eclipse

Astronomy enthusiasts in Singapore can keep their hopes up for sighting a blood moon on Nov 8 during a total lunar eclipse. 

The moon will appear red due to the eclipse and our atmospheric conditions. The last time this rare astronomical phenomenon occurred in Singapore was on May 26, 2021. 

However, the Science Centre Observatory mentioned that this blood moon might be a challenging sight to observe, in a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 10).

This is due to the eclipse happening before the moon is visible from Singapore. The penumbral eclipse will begin at 4.02pm on Nov 8 followed by the partial eclipse at 5.09pm, and the full eclipse at 6.16pm. 

The moon will rise at 6.46pm. By this time, the moon is said to appear dark and will only reach an “appreciable altitude” of around 30 degrees at 9pm. 

Although they are not organising an event to observe the eclipse, The Science Centre Observatory gave some tips for members of the public who are interested in catching this sighting. 

People are advised to head somewhere with a clear view of the Eastern horizon, opposite from where the Sun sets, after 7pm. While special viewing equipment is not necessary to view the blood moon, a pair of binoculars could help to get a better view. 

At 7.41pm, the full eclipse phase is predicted to end. Following that, the partial eclipse phase will end at 8.49pm and finally the penumbral eclipse will end at 9.56pm.  

The next total lunar eclipse will happen in 2025, as reported by Channel News Asia (CNA).