Lunar eclipse adds a reddish-brown hue to the moon, referred to as 'Blood Moon' phenomenon.

Stargazers around the world recently witnessed a total lunar eclipse, an event that was visible across Asia, parts of Europe, Africa, and western Australia. However, the next total solar eclipse, scheduled for August 12, 2026, will not be visible in North America.

Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, explained the reason behind the lunar eclipse's deep red colour. He stated, "The Moon appears red during lunar eclipses because the only sunlight reaching it is reflected and scattered through the Earth's atmosphere." This scattering of blue wavelengths of light, which are more easily dispersed, leaves behind the red and orange hues that colour the Moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Interestingly, the total solar eclipse in 2026 will be the first since one swept across North America in April 2024. In contrast, the next total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe will be in 2026, since the last one was in 2006.

Unfortunately, neither Madrid nor Barcelona will see the full total solar eclipse in 2026. The totality of the eclipse will be visible in a roughly 160-kilometre (100-mile) band between these two cities. However, Spain and Iceland will be the only countries where the total solar eclipse will be fully visible, with other countries able to see a significant partial eclipse.

On the other hand, the Americas missed out on viewing the total lunar eclipse, and they will also miss the total solar eclipse in 2026. The total solar eclipse visible in a sliver of Europe on August 12, 2026, will block out the light from the Sun, providing a unique astronomical spectacle for those in the right location.

Stargazers in Europe and Africa got a brief chance to see a partial eclipse just as the Moon rose during the early evening. The total lunar eclipse occurred on Sunday night and lasted from 1730 GMT to 1852 GMT.

The only equipment needed to observe both lunar and solar eclipses is clear weather and being in the right location. No special equipment is required to witness these celestial events.

For those who missed the recent total lunar eclipse, fear not! The next total solar eclipse visible in a narrow region of Europe will occur on August 12, 2026. Mark your calendars and prepare for an awe-inspiring astronomical experience!

Lunar eclipse adds a reddish-brown hue to the moon, referred to as 'Blood Moon' phenomenon.