A Fast-Moving Planet and a Crimson Moon! Catch Mercury if you can, then stay up late for a total lunar eclipse, and learn the truth about the dark side of the Moon.

The moon will appear a striking reddish color in a few weeks when a magnificent total lunar eclipse becomes visible all across the United States.

This eclipse has earned the nickname “Blood Moon,” a name that might sound ominous compared to the more poetic “Blue Moon” or “Harvest Moon”—but it’s a fitting one.

Most of the United States will be treated to a total lunar eclipse in coming days, with a blood-red moon rising into the night sky.

In contrast, during a total solar eclipse — which is preceded by a partial eclipse — the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, during totality. That's the only time it's safe to look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, since all of the sun's light is blocked.

The upcoming lunar eclipse will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022. Will it be visible in Wisconsin?