Here’s when and how to see the total lunar eclipse in Sacramento this weekend

Sacramentans will be able to witness the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse Sunday night.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth moves between the sun and moon, blocking the sunlight usually reflected by the moon.

And total lunar eclipses occur every two and a half years when the sun and moon are on exact opposite sides of the Earth, according to NASA. A small amount of light makes the moon red, despite the Earth blocking the sun.

May’s total lunar eclipse is being called the “Super Blood Moon,” according to Space.com. It is called the super moon because it happens to be the closest point to the Earth this month, and a blood moon for the red hue.

The total eclipse on May 15 begins in Sacramento at 8:29 p.m. and ends at 9:53 p.m., according to Time and Date. The maximum eclipse takes place at 9:11 p.m., which is when the moon is closest to the center of the Earth’s shadow.

The duration of the eclipse, from moonrise to penumbral end, is three hours and 46 minutes.

The National Weather Service forecast shows mostly clear skies Sunday night.

While wearing sunglasses is recommended for solar eclipses, it is safe to look at a lunar eclipse without any protective eyewear.

“At least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, but total lunar eclipses are rare,” according to NASA. “It is safe to look at a lunar eclipse.”

In case of clouds or other viewing issues, NASA will be live streaming the lunar eclipse on YouTube Sunday.

The next lunar eclipse of the year is Nov. 8.

This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 2:49 PM.