Where and when the Coachella Valley will see the ‘blood moon’

The first total lunar eclipse since 2011 will turn the moon bright orange late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. The eclipse will be visible between 11 pm Monday and 2:30 am Tuesday. It marks the first of four total lunar eclipses that will occur over the next two years.

“We haven’t had one in four years so it’s kind of neat,” said Astronomical Society of the Desert president, Bruce Gottlieb. “It will be the first time in four years and what is very rare is it’s a tetrad.”

It’s known as an eclipse tetrad, meaning four consecutive total lunar eclipses will occur with no partials. This hasn’t happened since 2003.

The unique sight will be visible from the Coachella Valley, as well as other parts of the world.

“North and South America and also Australia, so it’s a large portion of the earth that can see it,” added Gottlieb.

Saturn, Jupiter and Mars will also be visible, according to Gottlieb. All of this can be seen by the naked eye.

The second total lunar eclipse of the tetrad will occur October 8.

The Astronomical Society of the Desert will hold a viewing party Monday night at the Coachella Valley Preserve. The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, visit their website by clicking here.