The first total lunar eclipse since 2022 is about to happen this week and everyone in North America will have a front row seat to the occasion, including all of Oklahoma. This blood moon is the first of three that we will all be able to watch from now until 2026. Here’s what to expect.
Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse Completely Visible in Oklahoma on March 13 & 14
During the evening between March 13 and 14, Oklahomans will be able to catch the best view of the total lunar eclipse in the sky. During a total lunar eclipse, “the moon moves into the inner part of Earth’s shadow, or the umbra. Some of the sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere reaches the Moon’s surface, lighting it dimly,” according to science.nasa.gov.
The moon’s “blood” color appearance is reflection of lightwaves.
Total lunar eclipses are different from others, known for creating the “blood moon.” The term “blood moon” is usually related to the red-orange color that the moon takes on during the event. The color change comes from the sun’s wavelengths hitting the earth and reflecting back onto the moon. According to science.nasa.gov, “the more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the Moon appears.”
Since the forecast for the next week includes more inpeccably high winds for Oklahoma, there’s a good chance we’ll see a little more red in this year’s first lunar eclipse. For the majority of the state, clouds are also expected to cover the skies. This is also one of the only eclipse events that people can watch without eye protection.
While high winds aren’t the only thing forecasted for Oklahoma in the coming week, the skies should be clear enough that everyone can see the big blood moon best between 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 13 and 5:00 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 14…