Sri Lanka Witnesses Spectacular Total Lunar Eclipse

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a breathtaking celestial event witnessed by over 7 billion people across the globe, a rare total lunar eclipse — popularly known as a Blood Moon — lit up the night sky, offering a spectacular view to skywatchers in Sri Lanka and around the world.

The eclipse began at 7:28 PM and reached totality between 9:30 PM and 10:53 PM, with the entire event visible until 12:55 AM.

This was one of the most vivid and widely visible lunar eclipses in recent years, with 85% of the world’s population within viewing range.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.

During this alignment, the Moon takes on a deep red hue — a phenomenon caused by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red wavelengths to reach the Moon.

This reddish glow is what gives rise to the term “Blood Moon.” The next opportunity to witness a similar eclipse will be in 2028, making this event a once-in-a-decade spectacle for many.

Astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike gathered across Sri Lanka to witness the phenomenon, with social media flooded by stunning images and videos of the crimson moon.

Image Courtesy: Yasarath Kamalsiri