(OPINION) One of the top astronomy events of 2022 will be visible in the sky over North America in the middle of May as the sun, Earth and moon align to create a total lunar eclipse.

The moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow on the night of Sunday, May 15, into Monday, May 16, a spectacular event that does not require any special equipment to see, just cloud-free conditions. A total lunar eclipse is sometimes referred to as a “Blood Moon” due to the moon changing color to dark red or rusty orange during the height of the event.

According to Accuweather, The start of the eclipse will not be visible along the West Coast, but the moon will rise in time for residents from Seattle to San Diego to see the best part of the eclipse when the moon takes on an unusual color. People can use the free AccuWeather app to get the cloud forecast for their area leading up to the highly-anticipated event.

Another interesting observation is the timing of this event which will literally take place a day after the national day of Israel, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. On that same date, the United States, in the person of President Truman, recognized the provisional Jewish government as the de facto authority of the Jewish state which also fulfilled the prophecy given by Isaiah the Prophet:

“Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.” Isaiah 66:7-8