Rare Red Moon & Northern Lights Align Tonight
Tonight's partial lunar eclipse may coincide with red northern lights, creating a rare sky double feature visible across northern regions.
The update
A partial lunar eclipse occurring tonight (Aug. 27-28) may coincide with visible northern lights across several northern U.S. states and parts of Canada. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued moderate geomagnetic storm warnings, with the moon expected to appear reddened as up to 96% of its surface enters Earth’s shadow.
Why it matters
This rare celestial convergence offers skywatchers a unique opportunity to witness two spectacular natural phenomena simultaneously. The red moon occurs as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and refracts onto the lunar surface, while the northern lights become visible due to geomagnetic activity. This combination won’t be repeated for years, making it a significant event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
What to watch
Visibility of both phenomena together is most likely for observers in Canada and Alaska, though the northern lights may be visible as far south as New York to Idaho. The eclipse begins 20 minutes after the geomagnetic storm warning takes effect at 9:03 p.m. EDT. Weather conditions and local light pollution will affect visibility.
Sources
- livescience.com — Details on the geomagnetic storms and potential northern lights visibility
- space.com — Information about the partial lunar eclipse and its visibility