Don’t Miss the Spectacular Total Lunar Eclipse Over the United States Next Month!

Next month, a total lunar eclipse will grace the skies across nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. As the moon slips into Earth’s shadow, it will glow with a stunning red tint, an event that’s sure to captivate anyone who looks up!

This eclipse will occur in mid-March, and folks in the United States, including Chicago, will have a front-row seat.

Here’s everything you need to know about this celestial spectacular.

When to Watch: The eclipse kicks off late on Thursday, March 13. If you want to catch the full show, you’ll need to stay up late or wake up really early on Friday, March 14. Mark your calendars, and get ready!

What’s Happening: During a lunar eclipse, the moon moves into the shadow of the Earth. In a total lunar eclipse, such as the one coming up, the moon enters the darkest part of this shadow called the “umbra.” This is when it will change to a striking red or orange, earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.”

Why the Color Change: The sun’s light is a mix of colors. Usually, blue light scatters in the atmosphere, making the sky look blue. However, during a lunar eclipse, the light that reaches the moon has to pass through Earth’s atmosphere. This process filters out most colors, allowing the red and orange shades to shine through, giving the moon its distinctive glow.

Timing of the Eclipse: According to NASA, the eclipse starts around 10:57 PM Central Time on March 13 with a penumbral phase where the moon begins to dim. A little after midnight, a partial eclipse will begin, making it look like a “bite” is being taken out of the moon. This continues until the total eclipse starts at 1:26 AM, where the moon will display its beautiful reddish hue visible to all, even without a telescope.

Enjoy the total eclipse until about 2:31 AM, with the partial eclipse lasting until 3:47 AM.

Best Viewing Spots: Most of the United States will be treated to this spectacle, provided the skies are clear. The darker your viewing location, the better your experience will be, especially for capturing those stunning colors. If you have a telescope or a good camera, they can enhance your view even more!