There will be a total lunar eclipse on Election Day in the United States: this is the first such coincidence in American history
'26.10.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
Tired of politics? Well, nature gives us a chance for a breather - on the morning of Election Day, an astronomical spectacle awaits us, which we can all enjoy, reports USA Today.
A total lunar eclipse will occur across the country in the early hours of November 8, astronomers say. This is the first total lunar eclipse on Election Day in US history. And the next lunar eclipse on Election Day will occur only after 372 years - on November 8, 2394.
As NASA explains, a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon and the Sun are at exactly opposite points on opposite sides of the Earth. When this happens, the Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the Moon. Instead of sunlight falling on the surface of the Moon, the shadow of the Earth falls on it.
Where and when can you see the eclipse
This lunar eclipse will be visible from anywhere on the night side of the Earth if the sky is clear.
According to EarthSky's Bruce McClure, if you live in the US or elsewhere in North America, you can see the eclipse hours before sunrise on November 8th.
For example, in Washington DC, the total eclipse will start at 5:16 AM and end at 6:41 AM. In New York it will be about the same time.
On the subject: Fly to the stars without leaving New York: the state has one of the best observatories in America
"Bloody" moon
When the Earth's shadow covers the Moon, it often turns red, which is why the period immediately before a lunar eclipse is often called the "blood" Moon.
The coloration occurs because the reddish sunlight still reaches the Moon's surface, even though it is in Earth's shadow.
No special glasses required
What's most interesting about lunar eclipses is that you don't need special glasses to watch them, unlike a solar eclipse. So feel free to look directly at the moon. Binoculars or a telescope will improve your view.
People living in the western United States will have a better view of the total eclipse. And residents of the central and eastern parts of the country will see an eclipse just before the moon sets below the horizon.
The November Full Moon has many nicknames.
In addition to the eclipse, the November full moon is known as the "beaver" moon. This name was invented by the Indians, because at this time the beavers were finishing their preparation for winter.
This full moon is sometimes also referred to as a "frosty" moon because of the onset of cold weather.
