Lunar eclipse visible in Philippine skies on September 7 to 8

MANILA, Philippines — A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Philippines on September 8, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 2, PAGASA said that the total lunar eclipse is set to occur in the early hours of September 8 and will be visible in the Philippines, as well as in East Africa, other parts of Asia and Australia.

The celestial event will begin at 11:27 p.m. on September 7, but the totality will not start until 1:30 a.m. on September 8, with the maximum phase expected at 2:12 a.m.

"During the maximum eclipse, the umbral shadow cast by the Earth will obscure 100% of the Moon's disk. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a 'Blood Moon' due to the reddish hue the Moon adopts. This coloration occurs as Earth's atmosphere filters and scatters sunlight, allowing only the red wavelengths to reach and illuminate the lunar surface," PAGASA said.

In order to observe the lunar eclipse, it is very easy to view and does not require protective eyewear, unlike solar eclipses.

The agency said that while a modest pair of binoculars can provide an excellent view, they are not necessary.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), lunar eclipses occur during a full moon when Earth is positioned exactly between the Moon and the Sun.

As a result, Earth's shadow falls on the Moon's surface, causing it to dim and sometimes turn a striking red for a few hours.