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Skygazers, Get Ready: A “Blood Moon” Lunar Eclipse is Coming to the US!
Prepare for an early morning celestial spectacle this Tuesday, March 3rd, as a total lunar eclipse, often dubbed a “Blood Moon,” will paint the moon in stunning shades of red and orange across much of the United States. This astronomical event coincides with March’s full moon, traditionally known as the “Worm Moon,” offering a double treat for those willing to rise before dawn.
When to Catch the Show:
The main event kicks off in the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, March 3rd. Stargazers can expect to witness the total eclipse between approximately 4 a.m.
ET and 7 a.m. ET, with a partial eclipse continuing until around 9 a.m.
ET.
Here’s a detailed timeline of the eclipse, according to NASA:
- 3:44 a.m. ET: The penumbral eclipse begins as the moon enters Earth’s outer shadow.
- 4:50 a.m. ET: The partial eclipse starts, and a noticeable “bite” will appear on the moon.
- 6:04 a.m. ET: Totality begins, transforming the moon into a striking dark red or orange hue.
- 7:03 a.m. ET: Totality ends.
- 8:17 a.m. ET: The partial eclipse concludes, and the moon’s dimming will commence.
- 9:23 a.m. ET: The eclipse officially ends.
Who Will See What:
Approximately 176 million people worldwide, including a significant portion of the U.S., will have a chance to witness the eclipse’s complete phases. The total lunar eclipse will be visible across North America, parts of South America, East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
Residents in the western United States, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, are in for a prime viewing experience, catching the peak totality of the lunar eclipse. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, along with their surrounding areas, are projected to enjoy the full, dramatic effect of the total eclipse.
For those in more central regions such as Denver, Dallas, and Chicago, a glimpse of the red moon is expected, though they may not be able to observe the entire eclipse from start to finish. Northeastern cities, including New York and Washington, may catch a brief moment of totality but will miss the later stages of the eclipse.
Understanding the Phenomenon:
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly into Earth’s shadow, aligning with our planet and the sun. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, completely blocking it from direct sunlight.
These total lunar eclipses are famously referred to as “Blood Moons” because the moon takes on a rusty red or orange appearance when fully obscured by Earth’s shadow. This coloration is due to scattered sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere and bending around to illuminate the moon.