A rare total lunar eclipse will transform the full moon into a spectacular "blood moon" on Sunday evening, creating a breathtaking celestial display visible across Bremen and Bremerhaven. The phenomenon occurs when Earth positions itself between the sun and moon, casting the lunar surface in a distinctive reddish-brown glow that has captivated observers for centuries.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 7:30 PM, with the moon rising already darkened around 7:52 PM. The celestial spectacle will reach its dramatic peak at about 8:12 PM, offering the most striking visual display as the moon appears fully immersed in Earth's shadow. The entire event will conclude by 10:55 PM, giving photography enthusiasts a window of several hours to capture this rare astronomical event.
Professional photographer Thomas W. Salzmann, who teaches photography at VHS Bremen and VHS Oldenburg, offers practical advice for smartphone users hoping to document the blood moon. "Anyone wanting to photograph the blood moon with a smartphone shouldn't expect miracles," Salzmann explains. "Smartphone camera sensors simply aren't designed for this type of photography, but with some know-how, you can still create beautiful images."
Preparation proves crucial for successful lunar eclipse photography. Salzmann recommends scouting locations the evening before to identify optimal viewing spots with clear eastern exposure. "Generally, when photographing celestial phenomena like shooting stars, it's better to head out to the countryside where it's dark," he advises. "But the blood moon will probably be clearly visible even from Bremen itself."
Ideal photography locations should offer unobstructed views toward the east, where the moon will rise. Salzmann suggests exploring areas along the Weser River, where photographers might incorporate reflections on the water or other compelling visual elements into their compositions. The key is finding spots that combine accessibility with minimal light pollution for optimal visibility.
Creative composition can transform a simple moon photograph into compelling art. "For successful image composition, a foreground element is helpful," Salzmann notes. Photographers should experiment with incorporating trees, buildings, animals, or people as silhouettes against the reddish moon to create more dynamic and interesting images. Unusual perspectives can also add visual impact to blood moon photographs.
Technical smartphone settings become critical in low-light conditions. Users should familiarize themselves with their device's manual controls, particularly the ability to adjust exposure time. Many smartphones offer night mode or "Pro mode" settings that allow photographers to control over- and underexposure manually. Salzmann recommends exposure times of six to ten seconds for blood moon photography.
Stability becomes paramount with longer exposure times, as extended shutter speeds increase the risk of camera shake and blurred images. Photographers should use a tripod or stable surface to support their smartphone, ideally with a remote trigger to minimize movement. Additional technical recommendations include disabling the flash and using the wide-angle lens if the smartphone has multiple camera options.
The blood moon phenomenon results from Earth's atmosphere bending and filtering sunlight as it passes around our planet. The atmosphere acts like a lens, refracting light and filtering out blue wavelengths while allowing red light to reach the moon's surface. This creates the characteristic deep red or copper coloration that gives the "blood moon" its dramatic name.
While the moon appears low on the horizon, it typically displays the most intense red coloration, making the early stages of the eclipse particularly photogenic. As the event progresses, subtle color variations may occur, providing different photographic opportunities throughout the evening.
For photographers seeking to share their results, documenting the experience and learning from others' techniques can prove valuable. The collaborative aspect of astronomy photography often leads to improved skills and better understanding of optimal settings and timing for future celestial events.
This total lunar eclipse represents a relatively rare occurrence, with the next total lunar eclipse visible from Germany not scheduled until December 31, 2028. This timing makes Sunday's blood moon particularly significant for local astronomy enthusiasts and photographers, as it may be their only opportunity to capture this phenomenon for several years.
