A total lunar eclipse, also called « Blood Moon », will occur on the night of Sunday May 15 to Monday May 16. A rare astronomical phenomenon, which it will be possible to observe with the naked eye from France. Explanations.
For the first time since January 2019, French people living in mainland France will be able to observe a total lunar eclipse. But for that you will have to get up very early on May 16.
How does a lunar eclipse work?
For a lunar eclipse to occur, there must be an alignment between the Sun, the Earth, and our lunar satellite. If the alignment is perfect, then we speak of a total eclipse.
By positioning itself in front of the sun, the earth creates a shadow on its side which is not exposed, like any object that is placed in front of a light source. It is when the Moon passes through this terrestrial shadow that the phenomenon of the eclipse occurs. The Moon will then gradually hide in the shadows, until it is perfectly aligned. It is at this precise moment that the phenomenon of the « Blood Moon » occurs.
Blood moon, what are we talking about?
This name is certainly not astronomical. But it is often used to designate the total lunar eclipse. Because under the effect of the atmosphere of the earth, the Moon can take on a more or less pronounced coppery red color. In reality, only colors close to red manage to cross the atmosphere to be reflected on the Moon.
In popular belief, this « Blood Moon » has taken on many meanings over time. Since Antiquity, it has been associated with a path to an afterlife that could allow communication with the dead, or, in the worst case, release evil beings.
In astrology, we prefer to see a period where energy is increased tenfold and where decision-making is more radical.
When to observe it from France?
Our satellite, in the Full Moon phase, will pass through the Earth’s shadow cone. It will be visible in the second part of the night, in the early morning. It will be necessary to get up early, because the phenomenon will begin with the entry of the Moon into the penumbra of the Earth, at 3:30 a.m. (legal time), followed by its entry into the shadow, more spectacular, at 4:27 a.m. min. When the entire lunar disk is submerged in shadow, totality will last just over 84 minutes, from 5:29 to 6:54. But we will not be able to observe it until the end.
How to enjoy the show?
At the midpoint, the maximum will occur at 6:11 a.m., coinciding within minutes of sunrise and moonset. The weather seems to be favorable in Occitania, which should make it possible to observe this magnificent spectacle of nature with binoculars or astronomical instruments, but also with the naked eye.
Because unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses pose no risk to the eyes. Be careful though. Because from 6:20 a.m. and with sunrise, observation will become more complicated.
How long will we have to wait before the next one?
If you were to miss your alarm clock this Monday morning, you will have to be patient to hope to observe a total lunar eclipse again. The next one visible from France is scheduled for… 2025.
This year, you will even have two opportunities to enjoy the show. On March 14, 2025, a new total eclipse will occur, but it will be difficult to observe because only the beginning of the process will be visible. On September 7, 2025, on the other hand, the conditions should be met for a successful observation.