TAINAN, CHIAYI (TVBS News) — A rare total lunar eclipse and lunar occultation of Uranus was visible in Taiwan on Tuesday night (Nov. 8). Astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts gathered around Taiwan to view this spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.
Even though the next total lunar eclipse is set on Sept. 8, 2025, and the next visible lunar occultation of Uranus will occur on April 12, 2038, the next time the two events happen at the same time is scheduled in 4344, which is 2322 years later, according to the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is within Earth's shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is completely covered by the Earth's shadow, resulting in the Moon getting a reddish tinge because of the sunlight interacting with Earth's atmosphere, astronomers explained.