Tinotenda Hove – A breathtaking total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “blood moon,” lit up skies across Zimbabwe, leaving stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts in awe.

The phenomenon saw the Moon darken before taking on a deep reddish glow, a sight clearly visible to the naked eye in most parts of the country. Many residents took to open spaces and rooftops to witness the rare celestial event.

Astronomers explained that a lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth casting its shadow across the Moon. The red tint occurs as Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, scattering shorter wavelengths while allowing red light to bend toward the lunar surface.

“This natural display reminds us of the wonders of the universe that we often overlook,” one astronomy enthusiast in Harare remarked after the event.

The eclipse lasted for several hours, providing Zimbabweans with ample opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena visible from Earth.