How to witness the Nov. 8 total lunar eclipse or 'blood moon' online and on-site
Don't forget to look at the sky tonight as the Philippines is among the countries that shall witness the total lunar eclipse or "blood moon" on Nov. 8. It's is the last one until 2025, so it's an opportunity one ought not to pass.
State weather bureau PAGASA shared a timeline of the upcoming astronomical phenomenon, which will have a livestream on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
- 5:19 p.m. – eclipse begins
- 6:16 p.m. – totality of the eclipse
- 6:59 p.m. – eclipse reaches maximum or peak stage
- 7:42 p.m. – moon will remain in totality
- 8:49 p.m. – moon goes into a partial eclipse
- 9:58 p.m. – eclipse ends
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA will also have a livestream, which includes an interview with NASA lunar scientist Noah Petro and commentary from telescope livestream contributors worlwide.
But for those who want to have that once in a (red) moon experience beyond their smartphones and computer screens, there are viewing parties happening in the metro—free of charge.
One will be held in Quezon City, at the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus starting at 6:00 p.m., hosted by the UP Astronomical Society. Guests may simply go to the venue during that time, as they witness the astronomic spectacle with fellow astrophiles.
Another viewing party will be held at Rizal Park in Ermita in Manila, hosted by the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS). Participants must first register through this link, though walk-ins are also welcome. Guests must present their COVID-19 vaccination cards upon entry.
Aside from telescope viewing, the PAS program will also have astronomy lectures. Attendees will get a digital certificate of participation.
The PAS is also hosting a photography contest. Anybody may participate, but only those from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are eligible for the Top 3 prizes, which include a lunar meteorite, personalized star map lamp, meteorite necklace, and a bottle of meteorite, among others.
Full contest mechanics are posted on the PAS Facebook page.
Venues outside Metro Manila are also hosting lunar eclipse viewing parties with some flair.
There's one at The Funny Lion in Coron in Palawan, where one can dance in the moonlight with a poolside treat consisting of chill music and cool drinks. There's another at the Amorita Resort, located on the quiet end of white-sand Alona Beach in Panglao Island in Bohol. Amorita Resort said it's also offering special cocktails to mark the occasion.
For individuals who cannot make it to the mentioned venues, worry not as all hope isn't lost. That surreal experience off-screen is still possible as they simply need to go out and look up the sky to admire the eclipse.