Lunar eclipse to color the moon red over Tri-Cities, if the weather cooperates

Tri-Cities area residents can watch a total lunar eclipse Sunday night, if skies are clear enough.

About 8:30 p.m. the Moon will enter the Earth’s shadow, with the greatest eclipse in the Tri-Cities area at 9:11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

However, Sunday will be mostly cloudy but with some clearing Sunday night possibly providing a view of the eclipse, according to the weather service.

As the Earth blocks the sun’s direct light from the moon, the moon will rapidly darken and then glow a reddish brown.

Sometimes called a “blood moon,” it is safe to see with the naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse.

“These are incredibly easy to see,” said Michelle Thaler of NASA in an Associated Press video. “All you have to do is go outside. You don’t need any special viewing equipment.”

If skies are too cloudy for a good view, Tri-Cities residents can watch on the internet at NASA TV.

And they can try again Nov. 8, the next time the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow.