Lunar Eclipse Tonight: Perfect Conditions in Minnesota for Near-Total Blood Moon, Last Until 2029

Minnesota is set for perfect viewing conditions Thursday night for a near-total lunar eclipse, with the moon passing into Earth's shadow at 11:12 PM. This is the last close-to-full lunar eclipse visible in the state until June 2029.

Minnesotans are in for a celestial treat Thursday night as perfect weather conditions align for a near-total lunar eclipse. The moon will pass into Earth's shadow at approximately 11:12 PM, creating a stunning reddish "blood moon" that should be visible across the state.

"You shouldn't need any special equipment to see it. Just look toward the moon," according to MPR News.

"If you're out 30 minutes before or after that, this should still look really cool!"

The lunar eclipse tonight will be the last close-to-full lunar eclipse viewable in Minnesota until late June 2029, making it a rare opportunity for skywatchers. While described as a "blood moon" because of its reddish hue, observers may notice it looks more like a giant copper penny. The near-total lunar eclipse visible from Minnesota on Thursday night is the last of its kind until a total lunar eclipse on June 25-26, 2029. The 2029 event will be a total lunar eclipse, where the entire moon passes through the Earth's shadow, and it's actually predicted to be the largest lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

Why Lunar Eclipses Happen

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. During a total or near-total eclipse, the moon takes on a reddish color because of sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. The phenomenon, sometimes called a "blood moon," is safe to view with the naked eye.

What's Next for Minnesota Skywatchers

The next total solar eclipse visible in Minnesota won't occur until September 2099, according to NASA data. A total solar eclipse will cross the Middle East and Mediterranean next summer, and another will cross the Deep South in 2045.

Here is the question this event raises. A near-total lunar eclipse is visible in Minnesota tonight, the last until 2029. When a celestial event offers such a rare opportunity to connect with the night sky, how many of us will take a moment to look up and wonder?

FAQ:

Q: What time is the lunar eclipse tonight?
A: The lunar eclipse reaches near totality at approximately 11:12 PM Central Time on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Q: Can I see the lunar eclipse tonight without a telescope?
A: Yes, you don't need any special equipment to see the lunar eclipse. Just look toward the moon.

Q: What is a blood moon?
A: A blood moon is the reddish hue the moon takes on during a total or near-total lunar eclipse, caused by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere.

Q: Will the lunar eclipse tonight be visible in Minnesota?
A: Yes, Minnesota is set for perfect viewing conditions Thursday night for the near-total lunar eclipse.

Q: When is the next lunar eclipse visible in Minnesota?
A: The next close-to-full lunar eclipse viewable in Minnesota won't occur until late June 2029.