The skies of Jordan and much of the world will witness a rare total lunar eclipse tomorrow evening, Sunday, beginning at moonrise and lasting through all its stages for about five hours and eight minutes, making it one of the longest eclipses in recent years, according to Amman Sukaji, President of the Jordanian Astronomical Society.
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Sukaji explained that the peak of the eclipse will occur at 9:11 p.m. local time, when the moon reaches the deepest point within Earth’s shadow, glowing with a stunning copper-red color for 82 minutes.
He noted that residents of Jordan will be able to clearly observe most phases of the eclipse, particularly the total phase, which will extend from 8:30 to 9:52 p.m.
The eclipse will begin as the moon enters the partial shadow at 7:27 p.m., fully moving into Earth’s umbra at 8:30 p.m., marking the start of totality. The phenomenon will reach its peak at 9:11 p.m. before the moon gradually exits the shadow, with the total phase ending at 9:52 p.m. and the partial eclipse concluding at 10:56 p.m.
Sukaji added that the moon will appear like a living celestial painting that evening, shifting from silver to copper-red before returning to its natural brilliance. He explained that this unique color occurs as sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and allowing red light to reach the moon, similar to the effect of sunrise or sunset.
He emphasized that the most beautiful moments of the eclipse will be when Earth’s shadow fully engulfs the moon, making it appear like a “red lantern illuminating the quiet night,” calling on people to reflect on the grandeur of the universe.
According to Sukaji, the eclipse will be visible across most continents, with about 60% of the world’s population able to observe all its stages. He encouraged astronomy enthusiasts and photography lovers in Jordan to capture the rare moments with cameras and phones and to enjoy the sky from different parts of the Kingdom, noting that no special equipment is needed—just the naked eye.
He stressed that eclipses and solar phenomena have no connection to earthly or human events, as they are purely natural occurrences caused by the movement of celestial bodies in their orbits, leaving no effects on human life other than offering breathtaking cosmic spectacles that invite contemplation of the sky’s beauty and wonder.
