Wyoming Skies Turn Blood Red During The Upcoming Lunar Eclipse
In the skies about Wyoming this summer, there have been some pretty cool things happening. Did we get to see them? No.
The most recent was on August 12, when a meteor shower and a rare 6-planet alignment appeared in the pre-dawn sky. If you recall, we didn't get to see that because, at the time, smoke from fires across the West Coast was choking us out and causing low visibility.
Next up on the celestial event calendar, weather permitting, is a deep partial lunar eclipse, where about 96% of the moon will look blood red. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and when the alignment is just right, you get the "Almost" Blood Moon. "Almost" because only 96% will be covered.
We're in what they call the "Yellow Zone," which means we have the best chance to see the Maximum Phase, and we'll get a deep copper-red moon. The best part is that you won't have to stay up too late on August 27 or get up too early on August 28. Peak maximum should occur over the Wyoming skies at 10:00 pm. Since we're in Wyoming, you'll need a good view of the eastern horizon, which isn't too difficult, but keep that in mind.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are 100% safe to watch with the naked eye. That means you don't need eclipse glasses or protective filters for your camera.
While you can easily enjoy the entire event with the naked eye, a pair of standard binoculars or a small backyard telescope will reveal sharp details of crater rims slipping in and out of Earth's shadow.
