Early Wednesday, October 8th, the second and final lunar eclipse of the year will occur, presenting a fiery blood moon. The moon will appear a coppery red because of all the sunsets and sunrises around the Earth will reflect onto the lunar surface.
Unlike a solar eclipse, special glasses are not needed to view the blood moon, as it is safe to see it with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescope are recommended to improve the view, however.
Officially, the total eclipse will start at 6:25 a.m. ET (5:25 a.m. CT, 4:25 a.m. MT, and 3:25 a.m. PT) and continue until 7:24 a.m. ET (4:24 a.m. PT).
Those in the western and central parts of the U.S. will have the best view of the blood moon, as the total eclipse will be high in a dark sky well before sunrise. In the Northeast, however, the view could be obstructed by a storm system moving in from the Southwest. Much of the southern and central parts of the nation will have clear views under clear or partly cloudy skies. Thick clouds and rain could interfere with views of the eclipse in the Southwest.
Catch the blood moon while you can — the next lunar eclipse will be April 4, 2015, according to NASA. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. won’t occur until Aug. 21, 2017.