On September 7, 2025, the Alqueva Lake Observatory will provide the observation of a total lunar eclipse.

 

This phenomenon will occur when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, projecting its shadow onto the lunar surface.

 

The total phase of the eclipse will last 1 hour and 22 minutes.

 

During this period, the Moon will not disappear completely, but will display a reddish or copper-colored hue, a visual effect known as a "Blood Moon."

 

This chromatic phenomenon is the result of the refraction and scattering of sunlight by the Earth's atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths, such as blue and green, are scattered, while longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, are refracted in the Earth's shadow and reach the Moon.

 

To mark this astronomical event, a special program with the following schedule:

 

• 6:30 p.m.: Lecture on cultural astronomy - The sky of the indigenous peoples of Brazil, with Prof. Dr. Walmir Thomazi Cardoso
  Observing the sky is rich in meanings and interpretations that reflect the daily lives of different cultures around the world.
  On a starry night, while astronomers identify the constellation Scorpio, the Tuk, inhabitants of the Amazon region between Colombia and Brazil, observe a majestic serpent. Meanwhile, the Guarani, who inhabit the south between Brazil and Paraguay, visualize part of a bird's body, demonstrating how their culture connects with the cosmos in a unique way.
  In this meeting, we will explore how research in Cultural Astronomy allows us to understand the different knowledge systems of Brazilian indigenous peoples, bringing to light socio-environmental issues that we face today.

• 8:00 pm: Observation of the lunar eclipse through telescopes, accompanied by a drink.
  Participants will have the opportunity to observe the moon transforming into a magnificent reddish hue, a phenomenon known as a "blood moon." The eclipse-viewing session will be accompanied by a berberete.

• 9:30 pm: Astronomical observation session.
  During the session, we explored the vast night sky of Monsaraz with the help of professional telescopes and the guidance of our professional astronomer and astrophysicist guides.
  We covered a variety of topics throughout the session, from navigating the stars, constellations, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects.

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Ticket prices:

Adults: €35

Youth (10-17 years old) - €20

Children (5-9 years old) €8