For the first time since 2022, there will be a total lunar eclipse on Thursday night/Friday morning. Dubbed by some as the “blood worm moon” due to its copper hue and time of occurrence, the eclipse will be visible throughout Northern Utah during that time.

Adam Johnston, a professor of physics and astronomy and director of Weber State University’s Center for Science and Math Education, said that a total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon align in such a way that the moon passes into Earth’s shadow.

“Light that would otherwise get from the sun to the moon to give us a full moon is being intercepted by the Earth,” Johnston told the Standard-Examiner. “That blood-red moon that we refer to is really just the light that’s filtering through our atmosphere.”

Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires special viewing conditions, a lunar eclipse is visible to anyone with an unobstructed view of the Moon. What’s more, no special equipment or eye protection is required, although a pair of binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience.

“Solar eclipse paths are very distinct and you have to be in a very specific place,” Johnston said. “But as long as you can see the Moon, which is close to half the planet for this one, you’ll be able to witness this eclipse.”

One aspect worth tracking — particularly for the flat-earth crowd — is that the eclipse provides evidence of the Earth’s curvature.

“As the eclipse is starting and as that shadow is being cast upon the moon, you see the curvature of Earth’s shadow,” Johnston said. “So, you get direct evidence that the Earth is a round ball. … We think, ‘Oh, I need to launch myself into space to be able to see that the Earth is round.’ I mean, that’s fine, but the ancient Greeks knew that the Earth was round from this kind of event, in addition to others.”

The partial eclipse will begin just after 11 p.m. Thursday, at which point it will look like a bite has been taken out of the lunar disc. Totality will occur around 12:30 a.m. Friday.