BY
For the first time in American history, a total lunar eclipse will occur on election day come November 8, 2022.
A total lunar eclipse—not to be confused with a partial or penumbral lunar eclipse—occurs when the entire lunar sphere is blocked out by the Earth’s shadow. This happens about twice a year on average, but to have it happen on America’s election day is a first in the nation’s 246-year history, which began on July 4, 1776.
This alignment of celestial laws and civic duty won’t happen again in our lifetime—so make a wish in the wee hours before you vote.
Lunar Eclipses and Full Moons
Total lunar eclipses always occur during a full moon, when the sun, Earth, and Moon (in that order) basically form a straight line, and the Moon appears its roundest in the night sky. Occasionally, when a full moon crosses through the Earth’s shadow, partially or entirely, a general phenomenon known as a lunar eclipse appears. There are different kinds of lunar eclipses with varying degrees of totality, some being more noticeable and others less so.