How to view total lunar eclipse over Arizona on Sunday evening

A total lunar eclipse that astronomers predict will be a “celestial theater” is happening on Sunday evening over Arizona.

Two factors make this eclipse worth seeing: The skies are generally clear over Arizona in May. And this eclipse happens Sunday evening, making it easy to fit into your weekend schedule.

“You couldn’t put together a better set of circumstances for us here in the Southwest,” said Adam Block of the University of Arizona Steward Observatory.

Lunar eclipses happen when the sun, Earth and moon align so the moon passes into Earth’s shadow. The moon gradually turns a dark orange or red, which is sometimes referred to as a “blood moon.” The more dust or clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere, the redder the moon appears.

Here’s how to catch the eclipse. All times below are Arizona times:

● 7:15 p.m.: The moon will rise in the east. At 7:27 p.m., you may begin to notice the eclipse. It will look as if a “bite” has been taken out of the moon. The bite will gradually get larger over the next hour.

● Over the next hour, more of the moon will appear dark orange or red until the moon becomes totally immersed in shadow at 8:29 p.m. This is called “totality.”

● Totality lasts 84 minutes until 9:53 p.m., when the moon begins to leave the shadow.

● The moon exists the Earth’s shadow at 10:55 p.m.

Kevin Schindler, historian at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, said the best views are from roughly 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reach the reporter at anne.ryman @arizonarepublic.com or 602-4448072. Follow her on Twitter @anneryman.