COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Stargazers across Branch County and southern Michigan are in for a rare dual celestial treat tonight, as a deep partial lunar eclipse and the northern lights are forecast to light up the night sky simultaneously.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a recent solar flare has triggered a geomagnetic storm watch, pushing the aurora borealis visibility line unusually far south and giving Branch County residents a chance to spot the shimmering green and red lights.
Simultaneously, the full Sturgeon Moon will pass deep into Earth’s shadow, creating a “blood moon” effect where 96% of the lunar surface will take on a rusty, coppery-red hue.
The astronomical double feature will kick off late this evening, with the partial eclipse officially beginning around 9:23 p.m. and reaching its maximum peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday morning.
Southern Michigan skies are expected to stay mostly clear and dry, providing ideal viewing conditions for the 5-hour event. Because the eclipse will significantly darken the night sky, experts note it will offer an enhanced, darker backdrop to capture the elusive northern lights.
Local residents hoping to catch the display are advised to look toward the southern sky for the eclipsed moon and face a clear, dark northern horizon to spot the auroral glow.
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