In just a matter of days, the entire U.S. and the Western Hemisphere will have the chance to witness the uncommon spectacle of a
total lunar eclipse
, culminating in the spectacle of a
glowing red “blood moon.”
On the night from Thursday, March 13 into Friday, March 14, as dawn approaches, our planet will move between the Sun and the Moon, causing an astronomical event. This occurrence differs from previous eclipses.
This will become visible.
from various regions across all U.S. states, along with contributions from North America, South America, and sections of Europe and Africa.
It has almost been three years now.
since the
last total lunar eclipse
, occurring on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, and being the sole eclipse viewable from the U.S. until 2026.
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Here’s what you should know regarding the eclipse and its visibility across different parts of the U.S., including the timings.
What exactly occurs during a total lunar eclipse?
A
lunar eclipse occurs
When the moon moves into Earth’s shadow during its alignment with both our planet and the sun.
During those times when the moon isn’t fully cloaked by Earth’s shadow as our planet moves between the moon and the sun, we witness a partial lunar eclipse — similar to the event that occurs.
took place in September
During a full lunar eclipse, the complete moon passes through the deepest section of Earth’s shadow known as the umbra, entirely obscuring it from sunlight.
according to NASA
.
What exactly is a blood moon?
On the morning of March 13 into 14, the Earth will move between the Sun and Moon, causing a lunar eclipse.
total lunar eclipse
. As the
The Earth moves in front of the sun.
, obscuring its brightness, the moon will turn into a dark reddish-orange hue, earning it the moniker “blood moon.”
What is the date of the total lunar eclipse?
A complete lunar eclipse will be observable across the entire U.S. on the evening of March 13th into the early hours of March 14th. You can find more details on the website.
Time and Date
forecasts that the moon will go through all stages of the lunar eclipse within a duration of 6 hours and 3 minutes.
If you reside in the U.S., you can observe the eclipse beginning around 11:57 p.m. EDT as the penumbral stage commences, which is when the moon moves through the external section of Earth’s shadow known as the penumbra.
penumbra
, begins,
according to NASA
.
Totality occurs at 2:26 a.m. EDT when the entire moon is under the umbra. This is when the reddish hues of the “blood moon” will be on display.
The optimal time for watching varies based on your location within the U.S. As stated by Time and Date,
Space.com,
optimal watching times vary across different areas within the U.S.:
- Eastern Time: 2:26-3:32 a.m. EST on Friday
- Central Time: 1:26-2:32 a.m. CDT on Friday
- Mountain Time: 12:26-1:32 AM MST on Friday
- In the Pacific timezone: from 11:26 p.m. on Thursday until 12:32 a.m. PDT on Friday
- Alaska: 10:26-11:32 PM AKDT on Thursday
- Hawaii: 8:26-9:32 p.m. HST on Thursday
What regions within the U.S. will have visibility of the complete lunar eclipse?
Every state within the U.S. will have the capability to witness either a partial or total solar eclipse, also referred to as a “blood moon.” However, Hawaii along with portions of Alaska won’t catch the start of the preliminary penumbral stage; despite this, they’ll still enjoy an impressive display overall.
according
to Space.com.
According to
Time and Date
This resource additionally offers precise details on the timing and visibility of the eclipse based on your specific location. Approximately 39% of Earth’s population can observe at least part of the penumbral stage of this event, whereas around 10.5%, equivalent to roughly 863 million people, will witness the complete eclipse from beginning to end.
It is safe to view a lunar eclipse directly without wearing special protective eyewear, unlike during a solar eclipse.
What is the date of the upcoming total lunar eclipse?
NASA states that the next total lunar eclipse observable from the U.S. will not occur until March 2026.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY:
In which U.S. states will the March total lunar eclipse be visible? What are the ways to observe it and at what time?
