Step 1: check whether it is visible from your location
A lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon while it passes through Earth’s shadow. That is roughly the night side of the planet, so in principle about half the world can see each one. In practice, some places see the whole event, others see only the start or the end, and others miss it entirely because it happens during their daytime.
The eclipse calendar lists upcoming lunar eclipses, the type of each one and where it is visible. If the eclipse starts or ends near moonrise or moonset for you, check the exact times on the moonrise and moonset page, since a Moon low on the horizon is easily blocked by buildings or trees.
Step 2: convert the times to your clock
Eclipse predictions are usually published in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Make sure you convert them to your local time, including daylight saving time if it is in effect. The time zone converter and the GMT page help, and the my time zone page shows the offset your device is using. Watch out for eclipses that cross midnight: the date may change partway through.
The main moments to note are:
| Contact | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P1 | Moon enters the faint outer shadow (penumbra) |
| U1 | Partial eclipse begins: the dark umbra touches the Moon |
| U2 | Totality begins |
| Greatest eclipse | Moon deepest in the shadow |
| U3 | Totality ends |
| U4 | Partial eclipse ends |
| P4 | Moon leaves the penumbra |
A partial or penumbral eclipse has no U2 or U3, and a penumbral eclipse has no U1 or U4 either. The penumbral stages are so faint that most people start watching at U1.
Step 3: choose a spot
You do not need a dark-sky site. You do need:
- A clear view toward the part of the sky where the Moon will be during the eclipse.
- Somewhere comfortable to stay for an hour or more, since the partial phases alone can take over an hour on each side of totality.
- Warm clothes, a chair and a hot drink if the night will be cold.
If the weather is uncertain, check the forecast the day before and have a backup location in mind.
Step 4: decide on equipment
Your eyes are enough. A lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch, unlike a solar eclipse, which needs proper protection (see solar eclipse eye safety).
- Binoculars are the best upgrade. Even a basic pair shows the shadow’s curved edge, color variations and craters along the shadow line.
- A small telescope at low power gives a detailed view of the shadow crossing lunar features.
- A red flashlight helps you read notes without ruining your night vision.
During totality, the sky gets darker and fainter stars appear around the Moon. If you are away from bright lights, take a moment to look at the wider sky as well.
Step 5: photograph the eclipse
You can get pleasing pictures with simple gear:
- Use a tripod or rest the camera or phone on something steady.
- Switch to manual or pro mode if available, and focus on the Moon’s edge.
- Adjust exposure as the eclipse progresses. The uneclipsed full Moon is very bright and needs a short exposure. During totality the Moon is thousands of times fainter, so you will need a much longer exposure or a higher ISO.
- Use a timer or remote release to avoid shake.
- Try a sequence: one picture every few minutes from the same position makes a striking composite of the Moon moving through the shadow.
What to look for
Watch for the curve of Earth’s shadow on the Moon, which is a direct view of our planet’s round outline. Note the color during totality, from bright copper to almost black, and see whether one edge of the Moon stays brighter than the other. The reasons for the color are explained in why is the moon red, and each type of lunar eclipse, total, partial or penumbral, has its own guide on this site.