[Janelle Ward]

In May, dozens of countries enjoyed the spectacular sights of the first total lunar eclipse of 2022. But not Australia – because it happened during our daytime. That all changes on Tuesday.

A lunar eclipse is when the sun, the Earth and the moon align allowing the moon to pass through the shadow cast by the Earth.

Tanya Hill, honorary fellow of the University of Melbourne and senior curator (astronomy) at Museums Victoria says there are three phases to a lunar eclipse:

1.When the partial eclipse begins as the moon begins to move into the Earth’s shadow.

2.Totality, when the moon is completely covered in shadow.

3.When partial eclipse ends as the moon moves completely out of the Earth’s shadow.

She says it’s a family-friendly eclipse this year because most of the action will begin before 9pm.

Here are the times by capital city.

Are you interested in a lunar eclipse? Will you head outdoors to watch it?

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