Total lunar eclipse to light up Dutch skies Sunday evening

Residents of the Netherlands will have the chance to see a total lunar eclipse Sunday evening, though the full effect will only be visible after moonrise, according to weeronline.

The eclipse begins at 17:27 and ends at 22:57, with the peak at 20:12. In the Netherlands, the moon will just be appearing above the eastern horizon around that time, shortly before sunset at 20:15. The best viewing window is expected between 20:25 and 20:53, when the moon will move out of the Earth’s darkest shadow. Observers will also be able to spot Saturn, appearing as a bright yellow object near the moon throughout the eclipse.

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the moon’s surface. The moon often takes on a reddish hue, known as a “blood moon,” due to sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere.

The weather may impact visibility. Sunday is forecast to be warm, with temperatures reaching 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. High clouds from the North Sea may drift over the western part of the country in the evening, but thin clouds should still allow the eclipse to be seen. According to weeronline, no jacket will be necessary, as temperatures remain above 20 degrees in most areas and above 25 degrees in the south.

This eclipse will make the moon appear slightly larger than usual, though it is not a supermoon. The next supermoon is expected on October 21, 2025.