Final Total Lunar Eclipse of the Year Will Not Happen Again in the Next Three Years: Here’s What To Expect

Earth has had two total lunar eclipses this year, one of which had already happened on May 15 to 16, which was visible in total phase in some parts of the Americas, Antarctica, Europe, Africa, and East Pacific.

The second one will happen on November 8, and per Time and Date, it will be visible in some areas in Asia, Australia, North America, most parts of South America, and some parts of northern and eastern Europe.

(Photo: ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images)
The blood moon is seen during a total lunar eclipse in Canta, east of Lima, on May 15, 2022.

What Makes the Last Total Lunar Eclipse of 2022 Special?

According to NASA, the last total lunar eclipse this year will also be the final total lunar eclipse for three years. The next total lunar eclipse will happen on March 14, 2025, although there will still be some partial and penumbral lunar eclipses during that period.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in which the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow. Moreso, there will be a total lunar eclipse when the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of the shadow of Earth, known as the penumbra. But when the Moon is in the umbra, it results in a reddish hue, which is why some lunar eclipses are also known as "Blood Moon."

For the last total lunar eclipse in 2022, experts said that no special equipment is needed to observe the lunar phenomenon, although binoculars will enhance the view. Experts recommend going to a place with little to no light pollution for the best viewing conditions.

The stage of the lunar eclipse on November 8 will be visible across North and Central America, Ecuador, Columbia, and western portions of Venezuela and Peru. Puerto Rico also has a great spot as it is where the Moon sets just after the total lunar eclipse begins.

Furthermore, the total eclipse can also be visible in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Skywatchers in Alaska and Hawaii will also have the opportunity to see every eclipse stage where the Moon is entirely in Earth's shadow.

If the weather on that day prevents live viewing in some areas, numerous organizations and individuals worldwide have live streams and videos of the lunar eclipse. Viewers may also visit NASA's Dial-a-Moon for a better view.

Three Types of Lunar Eclipses

Lunar eclipses can only happen during a full moon, which makes them an exciting target for skywatchers. Space.com reported that there are three types of lunar eclipses depending on how the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned at the time of the event.

The first type of lunar eclipse is the total lunar eclipse, which happens when the Earth's shadow is cast across the entire surface of the Moon. Earth has two total lunar eclipses this year, one in May and the next one in November.

The second type of lunar eclipse is the partial lunar eclipse, wherein only part of the Moon enters the Earth's shadow, which gives it the appearance that it is taking a bite out of the Moon. The planet's shadow appears dark on the side of the Moon facing Earth. According to NASA, the size of the "bite" visible from Earth will depend on how the Sun, Earth, and Moon align.

The last type of lunar eclipse is the penumbral lunar eclipse, in which the faint outer part of the planet's shadow is cast across the lunar surface. It can be difficult to see and is not as dramatic as the two other types.