September 7th to 8th, much of the world will be able to witness a Blood Moon, as a total lunar eclipse paints Earth’s satellite a deep red. This dramatic celestial display will last 80 minutes of totality, to be visible to people across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
This event will occur during daylight hours for the Americas, however, leaving the Moon below the horizon, meaning that people in New England won’t be able to capture the Blood Moon as the other side of the globe can.
Still, Astronomers, who see it an educational event, encourage local people to follow it online. “It’s a reminder how interconnected our planet is,” said a local educator, referring to the same event that connects all people together.
Indeed, the Blood Moon is a moment for people to reflect on cultural heritages. In Chinese tradition, for example, lunar eclipses were seen as omen – when a celestial dragon was thought to swallow the Moon. Families then would play drums to drive the dragon away. Therefore, the Blood Moon as a celestial event often carries a sense of mystery.
Elsewhere in Asia, eclipses carry their own stories. In parts of India, they were once associated with the demon Rahu consuming the Moon, while in Japan, eclipses were viewed with reverence and linked to cycles of renewal.
“It connects us to our ancestors,” said one local Chinese American resident.
The next total lunar eclipse visible to New Englanders will fall on March 3, 2026. Until then, this Blood Moon will serve as both a celestial event and a reminder of the cultural connections humans share.
