Pakistan will witness a total lunar eclipse on Sunday night, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). The eclipse will occur when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow across the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, this event is safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes.
The eclipse will also be visible in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Suparco confirmed that weather conditions in most regions of Pakistan are expected to allow clear visibility. The event will begin at 8:30pm, reach its peak at 11:57pm, and conclude at 1:55am. This timing makes it possible for people across the country to observe the full spectacle.
During the event, the Moon will appear red, a phenomenon often called the “blood moon.” This striking effect happens because sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon, filtering out most colors except red. Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, explained that the scattered light gives the Moon its eerie crimson glow.
Suparco encouraged students, families, and astronomy enthusiasts to take advantage of the event. A spokesperson said the eclipse offers a chance for people to connect with science and deepen their curiosity about space. The agency added that such celestial events spark public interest in astronomy and help young minds explore the universe.
The last total lunar eclipse was observed in March this year, while the previous one took place in 2022. The next major celestial event will be a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, when the Moon will completely block the Sun in parts of Europe. Until then, Sunday’s lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable night for skywatchers in Pakistan.