ISLAMABAD: A rare lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon lit up the night sky across Pakistan on Sunday, drawing crowds of astronomy enthusiasts, students, and curious onlookers who gathered in parks, rooftops, and observatories to witness the celestial spectacle.

The eclipse began around 8:30 p.m. local time, with the moon gradually taking on a deep, reddish hue as it passed through Earth’s shadow. The phenomenon was visible not just in Pakistan but across large parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and Western Australia.

“It is a great chance for people, especially students and science enthusiasts, to engage with space science and witness the wonders of our universe,” said Pakistan’s national space agency, SUPARCO, which encouraged the public to observe the eclipse using telescopes or even with the naked eye.

Earth's shadow on moon

The lunar eclipse peaked at 11:57 p.m. in Pakistan and ended around 1:55 a.m. early Monday. Unlike solar eclipses, this cosmic event posed no risk to the eyes, making it accessible to anyone under clear skies.

The Blood Moon effect occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth comes directly between the sun and moon, casting a shadow. Instead of disappearing in darkness, the moon turns red due to sunlight bending and scattering through Earth’s atmosphere, similar to the reds and oranges seen during sunsets and sunrises.

“The more dust and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere, the redder the moon appears,” said Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, in comments to AFP.

Global phenomenon, local excitement

Pakistanis weren’t the only ones spellbound. From India and China to parts of Africa and Europe, skywatchers were treated to one of nature’s most captivating shows. In some parts of Europe and Africa, viewers caught a glimpse of a partial eclipse as the moon rose on the horizon.

The total eclipse lasted from 5:30 p.m. to 6:52 p.m. GMT, though visibility varied based on location and weather.

Looking ahead in the sky

This marks the second total lunar eclipse of the year, following one in March. Another headline-making astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, is expected on August 12, 2026. Full visibility will be limited to Spain and Iceland, though partial views will be possible across Europe.

For now, Sunday night’s Blood Moon served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring scale of the universe. It united viewers across continents in a moment of quiet wonder.

Articles tagged with "Astronomy"

Rare ‘Blood Moon’ captivates stargazers across Pakistan and beyond