A Fast-Moving Planet and a Crimson Moon! Catch Mercury if you can, then stay up late for a total lunar eclipse, and learn the truth about the dark side of the Moon.

A "Blood Moon" eclipse is about to cause the moon to transform on Thursday night and early Friday morning during an astronomical event that hasn't been seen since 2022.

In contrast, during a total solar eclipse — which is preceded by a partial eclipse — the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, during totality. That's the only time it's safe to look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, since all of the sun's light is blocked.

NEW YORK (AP) — A total lunar eclipse will flush the moon red Thursday night into Friday morning across the Western Hemisphere. The best views will be from North America and South America. Parts of Africa and Europe may catch a glimpse.

The upcoming lunar eclipse will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022. Will it be visible in Wisconsin?

According to Dr. Angela Speck, a professor of astrophysics and department chair for physics and astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio, the "blood moon" total lunar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. and no special equipment will be necessary to view it. Find out more about the "blood moon" lunar eclipse below.

The moon will appear a striking reddish color in a few weeks when a magnificent total lunar eclipse becomes visible all across the United States.