Astronomy event guide

Lunar Eclipse Guide: How to Watch a Blood Moon

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting Earth’s shadow onto the lunar surface.

Quick facts

Use these cues first, then confirm the pattern in the AR viewer.

Best method

Start with the brightest nearby objects, then compare Lunar Eclipse with the AR overlay.

Location matters

Altitude and direction change with latitude, longitude, date, and time.

Alignment tip

If the phone compass drifts, adjust the heading controls until a known star pattern lines up.

How to watch

Lunar eclipses are safe to view with your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope. A clear view of the Moon and local eclipse timing are the most important details.

What changes during totality

During a total lunar eclipse the Moon can turn copper, orange, or red because sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.

Use AR before the event

Open AR before the eclipse starts to check where the Moon will appear from your viewing spot and whether buildings or trees block the line of sight.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers for common skywatching questions before opening the AR viewer.

Can I find Lunar Eclipse from a city?

Often yes if the key stars or object are bright enough, but haze, buildings, and light pollution can hide fainter details.

Why can the AR overlay be slightly offset?

Mobile compass readings can drift near metal, cases, cars, and buildings. Use a known bright object to tune the heading offset.

Does my location change the result?

Yes. The same object can be high, low, or below the horizon depending on your location and the current time.

Related sky guides

Use these pages to move from reading into the AR viewer with better context.

Interactive star map

Learn how date, time, and location shape the sky above you.

Read more

Visible tonight

Check planets, the Moon, and bright objects before opening AR.

Read more

How to use AR

Understand camera, orientation, and compass alignment in the viewer.

Read more

Open AR to find Lunar Eclipse

Use the browser sky map to compare Lunar Eclipse with the real sky from your location.

Open AR for Lunar Eclipse