Watch the skies this week for an exciting astronomical event. On the night of March 13th to the early hours of March 14th, 2024, we will witness a breathtaking astronomical event: a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a Blood Moon.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is exactly between the Sun and the Moon. This makes the Earth’s shadow cover the Moon, making it darker. The Moon looks bright because it reflects the Sun’s light. When the Earth blocks this light, we get an eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s atmosphere bends the sunlight, making the Moon look red or orange. This is why it’s called a Blood Moon.
When and Where to Watch
You can see this cool event on the night of Thursday, March 13th, and early hours of Friday, March 14th. Unlike a solar eclipse that only some places can see, this lunar eclipse will be visible in all of the lower 48 states. The partial eclipse starts just after midnight Central Time. The best time to watch is from 1:26 AM to 2:31 AM Central Time on March 14th. During this time, the Moon will turn a deep red color.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
During the eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up perfectly. The Moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. The Moon looks red or orange because the Earth’s atmosphere bends the sunlight, letting only red and orange light reach the Moon. This makes the Moon look like it’s glowing red.
How to Watch
You don’t need any special tools to watch a total lunar eclipse. But using a telescope or binoculars can help you see it better. Find a dark place away from city lights to get the best view. Take some time with your friends and family to enjoy the show. The eclipse will last about three hours, so you have plenty of time to watch. The most exciting parts are when the eclipse starts and when the Moon turns red.
Next Eclipses
If you like planning ahead, the next total lunar eclipse in the United States will be on March 3rd, 2026. Total lunar eclipses happen about every two and a half years.
Make sure to go outside and see this amazing event!
Sources:
Howell, E. (2025, March 14). The next lunar eclipse will be a total lunar eclipse, visible in much of North America, Europe, and most of South America. Space.com. . Retrieved from https://www.space.com/news/live/lunar-eclipse-live-updates#:~:text=The%20next%20lunar%20eclipse%20will%20be%20a%20total%20lunar%20eclipse,and%20most%20of%20South%20America.
News.az. . (2025, March 14). Total lunar eclipse Blood Moon set to light up the sky next week. Retrieved from https://news.az/news/total-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon-set-to-light-up-the-sky-next-week
Yahoo News. (2025, March 14). Lunar eclipse 2025: March celestial event to dazzle sky watchers. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/lunar-eclipse-2025-march-celestial-231947284.html
Desipris, G. (2018). Lunar eclipse [Photograph; NIKON D500, 700.0mm, ƒ/8.0, ISO 500, PhotoScape, taken at Rethymno, Greece]. Pexels. https://images.pexels.com/photos/1276314/pexels-photo-1276314.jpeg
