Tripod and cable releases: To keep binoculars or cameras steady, particularly for long focal-length shots or long exposures.

A basic point and shoot or even a cell phone camera can be used.

Camera: You do not need any special equipment to take pictures of a lunar eclipse.

You can also connect your DSLR camera to the telescope to get a bigger photo of the eclipsed Moon.

Telescope: A telescope can be helpful if you would like to see the features of the Moon in finer detail.

This band is caused by the upper, ozone-rich part of the Earth's atmosphere filtering the red wavelengths from the sunlight, giving it a blueish color. Some astronomers suggest viewing the Moon with binoculars at the start and end of totality to see a turquoise or blue band on the Moon. With binoculars, you can easily see changes in the Moon's color as the Earth's shadow moves over it.

Binoculars: If you are interested in seeing the Moon's features during the eclipse, binoculars are handy to have.

While you don't need any special equipment for viewing a lunar eclipse, astronomers and veteran photographers recommend some things that can make your lunar eclipse viewing experience even better. Urban areas, on the other hand, can provide interesting backdrops if you intend to photograph the eclipse. Rural areas with little or no artificial lights have the clearest skies and the best viewing conditions. You should be able to see a lunar eclipse as long as you are on the night-side of the Earth when the eclipse occurs.

Find a suitable place to view the eclipse.

Check the weather forecast so you can dress accordingly.

Use our Eclipse Calculator to find out if and when you can see a lunar eclipse at your location.

Penumbral lunar eclipses, on the other hand, are much harder to observe.

Viewing most lunar eclipses requires little effort- partial and total eclipses of the Moon are very easy to see as long as you have a clear view of the Moon and the Sky. Anyone on the night-side of the Earth at the time of the eclipse can see it. Lunar eclipses occur on a Full Moon night when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line or almost straight line in space.

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How to see the eclipse using your phone