Passing through the shadow of the Earth on Sunday, the full moon is expected to reflect a total lunar eclipse for the majority of the United States, including Santa Clarita.

The blood moon is expected to appear red for almost 85 minutes Sunday night, when the Earth is positioned directly between the moon and sun, covering the moon from sunlight, according to NASA. 

During totality, the moon is expected to reflect a red hue as red wavelengths of sunlight filter through Earth’s atmosphere and onto the surface of the moon. 

Throughout the projected 85-minute eclipse, the moon may also appear orange or yellow during the early and late stages, according to NASA. 

“When this happens, the only light that reaches the moon’s surface is from the edges of the Earth’s atmosphere,” read a statement from NASA. “The air molecules from Earth’s atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects onto the moon’s surface with a red glow, making the moon appear red in the night sky.”

The full moon has also been classified as a “super moon,” meaning that the planet should appear slightly bigger and brighter as it reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit, according to space officials. 

How Santa Clarita Residents Can Watch

A lunar eclipse, unlike a solar eclipse, can be safely viewed with the naked eye, however, binoculars or a telescope would enhance the viewing experience.

The visible stages of the eclipse should begin around 7:35 p.m. on Sunday, increasingly gaining brightness until 9:53 p.m. until the total moon eclipse ends. 

The brightest and most visible point, when the moon is closest to the Earth’s shadow, should occur at 9:10 p.m. 

For more information about how to achieve the ultimate viewing experience, click here.

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