Sky-watchers in many parts of the world are set for an exciting event this week. A total lunar eclipse is on the way, causing the full moon to take on a striking crimson hue. This spectacular sight will be visible in places like western Africa, western Europe, the Americas, and parts of Australia, depending on the weather.
During a lunar eclipse, Earth sits directly between the sun and the moon. This alignment, called syzygy, allows the moon to pass into Earth’s shadow. As it moves into the darkest part of the shadow, known as the umbra, the moon glows a deep red, earning it the nickname "blood moon." This happens because sunlight, filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, strikes the moon, creating warm colors similar to a sunset.
The peak of this upcoming eclipse will occur at 2:26 a.m. ET on Friday, lasting just over an hour. However, observers should be ready beforehand. Dr. Renee Weber from NASA warns that March weather can be unpredictable, leading to a 50/50 chance of clouds. Even if the sky is partly cloudy, aficionados might still catch glimpses of the eclipse.
You don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy this phenomenon. The full moon can be seen with the naked eye. However, binoculars or a camera with a tripod can enhance the experience, especially during totality when the moon takes on its reddish glow.
As the event unfolds, there are several key phases to look out for. The moon begins to enter Earth’s shadow at 11:57 p.m. ET on Thursday. It will start to look slightly dimmer around 12:30 a.m. ET, and the partial eclipse phase begins at 1:09 a.m. ET, creating the appearance of a bite taken out of the moon. Totality starts at 2:26 a.m. ET, when the entire moon shifts into Earth’s inner shadow and takes on its famous red tint. Observers can expect to see additional planets like Jupiter and Mars shining nearby, making for a beautiful cosmic display.
This month’s full moon is also known as the "worm moon," a name tied to the earthworms that appear as spring arrives. Some believe this term may actually refer to beetle larvae emerging from thawing trees. For various indigenous communities, the full moon of March carries different names, reflecting the arrival of spring in different cultures.
Interestingly, this lunar eclipse and the following partial solar eclipse on March 29 show a similar pattern. The partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially obscures the sun, creating a crescent shape—a stunning spectacle for viewers across various continents.
In fact, eclipses often happen in pairs, and it’s worth noting that another total lunar eclipse will follow on September 7 and 8. This fascinating cosmic dance continues to captivate people around the globe, illustrating our unique connection to the universe.
For those eager to catch these celestial wonders, it’s helpful to check resources like NASA and Time and Date to keep track of the upcoming events and their visibility in your area.
Check out this related article: Breakthrough in Physics: Scientists Create ‘Supersolid’ from Light for the First Time – Here’s What You Need to Know
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