“Lunar eclipses aren’t unusual in themselves, but what makes this one stand out is that New Zealand is perfectly placed to see it from start to finish,” Stardome astrophotographer and astronomer Josh Aoraki said.
He said it’s something that doesn’t happen often.
An estimated 2% of the world’s population will be able to watch the eclipse from beginning to end.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that causes the Moon to take on a red or copper hue.
The colour shift happens because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered, allowing red wavelengths to bend toward and illuminate the moon’s surface – the same optical effect seen at sunrise and sunset.
A MetService spokesperson said early indications show favourable conditions across the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for the lunar eclipse.
“By the looks of it, the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua could be among the better places in the country to view it.”
There’s no need for glasses or specialist equipment; the lunar eclipse is safe to view unaided.
Telescopes and binoculars may enhance the experience, but Aoraki said it’s still “best enjoyed with the naked eye”.
Tauranga Astronomical Society president David Greig said the lunar eclipse will be easy to spot anywhere in the Bay of Plenty – just steer clear of bright street lights.
Given that the eclipse will be unfolding in the middle of the night, the Moon will sit high overhead, giving viewers across the country a clear view of the spectacle, as long as the clouds stay away.
