Best spots in UAE to watch rare total lunar eclipse

The UAE will witness one of the rare, total lunar eclipse on Sunday, with Dubai Astronomy Group organising special events to witness the spectacular celestial event.

Star gazers will be able to witness the Blood Moon as it slips into the Earth's shadow, transforming into a deep, fiery red hue during a total lunar eclipse. 

It will last an hour and 22 minutes, one of the longest in recent years, with UAE residents able to view different stages of the eclipse for nearly five and a half hours.

Dubai Astronomy Group has announced a special event to watch the lunar eclipse between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm on Sunday at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, with the sighting set to take place between 9:30 pm and 10:53 pm.

Mleiha National Park will also organise an unforgettable night to view the Moon's red hue at its Park's Panoramic Lounge. 

Eclipse timeline

7:28 pm: Penumbral Eclipse Begins - The Moon enters Earth's outer shadow, causing a subtle dimming.
8:27 pm: Partial Eclipse begins - Earth's inner shadow starts covering the Moon, becoming more noticeable.
9:30 pm: Total Eclipse begins - The Moon is fully immersed in Earth's shadow, turning a deep red. 
10:11 pm: Maximum Eclipse - The peak of the eclipse; the Moon is closest to the center of Earth's shadow. 
10:53 pm: Total Eclipse Ends - The Moon begins to exit Earth's shadow, gradually brightening.
11:56 pm: Partial Eclipse Ends -  The Moon completely exits Earth's inner shadow, returning to normal brightness. 
12:55 am (Sept 8): Penumbral Eclipse Ends - The Moon exits Earth's outer shadow, concluding the eclipse.