Witness the Celestial Spectacle: A Total Lunar Eclipse Graces the Skies Across the United States

Get ready for a breathtaking cosmic event! Tonight, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across all 50 U.S. states, promising a mesmerizing display as the moon transforms into a captivating "blood moon." This celestial phenomenon, absent from our skies for nearly three years, will offer a rare opportunity to witness the Earth’s shadow paint the lunar surface in hues of reddish-orange. This event, occurring late tonight and continuing into the early hours of Friday, is poised to captivate skywatchers and inspire awe across the nation.

The eclipse unfolds as the Earth positions itself directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface. As the Earth obstructs the sun’s rays, the moon, typically bathed in sunlight, will gradually darken, transitioning into a striking reddish-orange orb – the famed "blood moon." This dramatic transformation is a result of sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering away blue light and allowing the longer wavelengths of red and orange to reach the moon.

This total lunar eclipse marks a significant celestial event, as the last one visible in the U.S. occurred on November 8, 2022. Sky enthusiasts will have to wait until 2026 for another chance to witness a total lunar eclipse from the continental United States, making this a truly unmissable experience. The event will also be viewable in some capacity from both North and South America.

Given the rarity and visual splendor of the eclipse, amateur photographers across the country are sure to be drawn to capture the perfect shot. However, snapping a stunning image of the moon, especially with a smartphone, can be challenging. Many find their initial attempts result in blurry, underwhelming photos that fail to capture the moon’s true magnificence. Fear not! Experts and photographers from the USA TODAY Network have shared invaluable tips to help you elevate your eclipse photography game.

Smartphone Photography: Capturing the Blood Moon with Your Mobile Device

While professional-grade cameras often deliver the best results, smartphones can also capture impressive images of the lunar eclipse with the right techniques.

One of the most crucial accessories for smartphone eclipse photography is a magnifier lens and tripod. These readily available kits, often found on online retailers like Amazon for around $25, can significantly enhance your ability to zoom in on the moon without sacrificing image quality. The tripod will also offer stability which is crucial for long exposure shots.

USA TODAY senior photographer Jack Gruber strongly advises against using the digital zoom function on your phone camera. Digital zoom simply crops into the existing image, resulting in a significant loss of resolution and a pixelated final product. If your phone has a physical zoom option, such as the 5x "telephoto" lens found on newer iPhone models, USA TODAY photojournalist Josh Morgan suggests taking advantage of it.

Morgan emphasizes the importance of using a tripod and self-timer, especially when using a magnifier lens kit. Setting a self-timer in night mode helps eliminate any camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button, ensuring a sharper image.

Another creative technique involves placing your phone lens directly against the viewfinder of a telescope. This can provide significant magnification, allowing you to capture incredibly detailed images of the lunar surface.

Gary Swangin, former director of Patersons Panther Academy Planetarium and consulting astronomer for Delaware State University, offered additional moon photography tips to NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. He emphasizes the importance of disabling the flash. "Do not use the flash," he stated firmly. "Turn it off."

Swangin also suggests stabilizing your phone by placing it on a ledge, fence, or other rigid structure. This minimizes camera shake and helps achieve a clearer image. If you opt for a tripod, remember to acquire a compatible mount for your phone.

Mobile phone apps like The Photographer’s Ephemeris or Sun Surveyor can also be invaluable tools. These apps provide precise information about the moon’s location in the sky, helping you determine the optimal vantage point for capturing the eclipse. Award-winning photographer for The Record and NorthJersey.com, Tariq Zehawi, highly recommends using these apps to plan your shot.

DSLR Photography: Mastering the Art of Lunar Capture

For photographers familiar with DSLR cameras, even greater control and image quality are achievable. Gary Hershorn, current Deputy Photo Director at ABC News Digital and author of "New York Celestial," and Thomas Costello, veteran photographer at Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, have shared their expert advice for capturing stunning lunar eclipse images with a DSLR.

Hershorn suggests a starting point of 1/250th of a second shutter speed, an aperture of f/8, and an ISO of 100. "So 250, at F/8, at 100 ISO, is the starting point — the setting for shooting the moon," he told NorthJersey.com. He cautions that adjustments may be necessary depending on atmospheric conditions, such as haze. He also reminds photographers that "the moon is reflecting the sun’s light. It’s like shooting bright daylight on earth." He advises against using an exposure longer than 1.5 seconds to avoid blurring caused by the moon’s movement.

Costello recommends using a long lens with a focal length of at least 400mm. "What you want to do is compress the moon and make it look larger," he explains. A longer lens helps to fill the frame with the moon, creating a more dramatic and impactful image.

Zehawi also offered the following tips: "The point is to get sharp detail. A sharp detail of the moon itself. Start there and then experiment."

Prepare for a Night of Wonder

With these expert tips in mind, prepare to witness the celestial spectacle of the total lunar eclipse. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR camera, by following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to capture stunning images of the "blood moon" and create lasting memories of this rare and awe-inspiring event. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the universe’s captivating dance of light and shadow!