(WWJ) - Following close on the heels of October's Hunter Moon, the final lunar eclipse of the year will cast its shadow over Michiganders the morning of Election Day, astronomers say.
According to experts at Time and Date, Michigan will see a total lunar eclipse -- also called a "Blood Moon" -- during the next Full Moon phase on Nov. 8.
"A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and its shadow covers the Moon," authorities said. "Eclipse watchers can see the Moon turn red when the eclipse reaches totality."
Over at Space.com, experts say lunar eclipses can only happen when the Moon is in its Full phase. Due to its mysterious and often awe-inspiring sight, its been commonly hailed as a sign of bad omens for hundreds of years.
"Some ancient cultures didn't understand why the moon turned red, causing fear," Space.com explained.
In once such instance, Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of the Moon phases to trick the Arawak people of present day Jamaica into giving his crew much needed supplies.
As wrote by Space.com, "He told the Arawak that the Christian god was unhappy that Columbus and his crew received no food. God would turn the moon red as a symbol of his anger, Columbus said. As the event took place, frightened people 'with great howling and lamentation came running from every direction to the ships laden with provisions, praying to the Admiral to intercede with his god on their behalf,' according to an account by Columbus' son Ferdinand."
Today, we know that the ominous red color occurs once the moon is fully in Earth's shadow. As light from sunrises and sunsets here on Earth fall on the moon, the light waves get stretched out and appear red.
"When this red light strikes the moon's surface, it also appears red," authorities added.
Michigan will have prime viewing experience as Earth's umbra, or darker, central part of Earth's shadow, will completely cover the Moon at our location.
The lunar eclipse does not require any special viewing instruments or tools -- it is safe to see with the naked eye, but a telescope or binoculars can offer a more detailed viewing experience.
All we can hope for it clear skies the morning of the event.
According to Time and Date, the total eclipse will start in the Detroit area on Nov. 8 at 5:16 a.m. The maximum eclipse will occur at 5:59 a.m. with the entire event ending at 6:41 a.m.