Look Up: Montana Is In For A Spectacular Lunar Eclipse

Montana's Big Sky Is Ready For A Rare Lunar Eclipse

Montana has plenty of nicknames, but I think the one everyone knows best is "Big Sky Country".

Well, this Friday, our big sky is going to be putting on quite a show.

When To Watch The Partial Lunar Eclipse In Montana

According to Space.com, Montana will be in a prime viewing location for a partial lunar eclipse happening Thursday night into Friday morning.

While it won't be a total lunar eclipse, we'll get to see about 96% of the Earth's shadow covering the moon at its peak.

If you're planning to watch it, the eclipse will get underway around 8:33 p.m., with the maximum eclipse happening around 10:12 p.m.

Just don't let anyone tell you it's a blood moon.

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Montana Won't See Another Eclipse Like This for Years

Technically, this is a partial lunar eclipse, not a total eclipse. However, since almost the entire moon will be sitting inside the darkest shadow of Earth, Space.com says it could take on that familiar reddish-orange or copper color.

Basically, we're getting most of the Blood Moon experience without technically getting a total lunar eclipse.

Even better, unlike a solar eclipse, you don't need any special equipment to watch this one. Of course, a pair of binoculars or a telescope can make the experience even better, but they're not necessary.

Thankfully, the weather forecast is calling for only a few clouds in the sky, which is good news because Space.com says this will be the deepest partial lunar eclipse until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.