Lunar eclipse over Austria: When can you see the blood moon today
Austria will witness a rare celestial event tonight as the full moon coincides with a total eclipse, causing the moon to appear in a deep red color. This phenomenon, known as the "blood moon," has intrigued humans throughout the ages. Once feared as an omen of bad luck, it is now celebrated as a spiritual symbol and an amazing scientific experience.
The eclipse begins when the Earth's shadow touches the surface of the moon early in the evening, but the most beautiful phase comes after the moon rises. In Vienna, the moon will rise at 7:20 PM, and the total eclipse will begin at 7:31 PM. It will peak at 8:11 PM when the moon glows its deepest red, before gradually fading as the totality ends at 8:52 PM. The eclipse will completely conclude at 10:45 PM. Residents of Vorarlberg will see it about 30 minutes later.
To follow this event, a clear eastern horizon is sufficient. The red glow can be seen with the naked eye, while binoculars or telescopes reveal more enchanting details. Saturn will also appear around 8:30 PM directly below the blood moon, as a bright star. With a telescope, the famous rings of Saturn can even be seen.
In addition to the eclipse and Saturn, the sky will be adorned with other celestial treasures. Constellations such as Aquarius, Capricorn, and Sagittarius will appear, the latter pointing to the center of our Milky Way galaxy. In the zenith of the sky, the constellation Cygnus shines, while the Andromeda galaxy – whose light takes 2.5 million years to reach us – can be seen from dark places.
It is a rare opportunity for astronomy lovers in Austria. The next chance to see a similar total eclipse will not occur until December 2029. Until then, the blood moon tonight promises to add exceptional beauty to the sky.